In the event of a labor disruption or strike with an airline, the following information will come in handy. The best piece of advice: Get friendly with your travel agent.

Understanding Airline Strikes
A strike can only legally occur after the Labor Relations Board declares an impasse in talks between the airline and the union. Once this occurs, the union must wait 30-days before a strike can be called. As a result, travelers holding tickets for the period immediately following the 30-day cooling off period should review their options.

An airline affected by a strike is not required to re-accommodate you on other airlines. Strikes are not covered in most airlines' Contract of Carriage, and most airlines will do nothing more than provide you with a refund, but only after a strike is imminent (within a day or two of being called).

The U.S. Government offers no protection. No laws exist to force other airlines to carry you to your destination.

Some airlines may offer to accommodate you and waive certain advance purchase restrictions if receipt of purchase is provided, but these options are often limited and are generally only offered shortly before, or just after, a strike is called. Also, these offers are of little value to you if the flights are full.

Before a Strike is Called...
If you hold tickets on an airline for travel during the period immediately following the mandated 30-day cooling off period, you should:

Review your options with other airlines. If you are attending a major life event (e.g. wedding, etc.) or connecting to a major vacation (e.g. cruise or tour package), it is important that you analyze your options. If you booked with a professional travel agent, ask your agent for help. Travel agents can help you explore all your options, be it an alternative flight or departure from a different airport or on a different airline. To find the nearest ASTA member travel agency, you can call 1-800-965-ASTA or use our directory to search for ASTA-member agents.

If you hold a refundable ticket, you can simply purchase a ticket with another airline and request a refund for the original ticket.

If you hold a non-refundable ticket, your options are more limited. If you plan to travel on the airline in the near future (generally one year from the original outbound travel date for domestic tickets and one year from the date of purchase for international tickets), you can cancel your ticket and the airline will provide you with a travel credit for future travel, less an administrative fee that can range from $50 to $200 depending on the airline and the type of ticket you've purchased. It is important to review the rules that apply to your specific ticket before making a decision.

Request a paper ticket from the start. Except for partner airlines, most airlines that may accept your ticket as part of a re-accommodation offer still need a paper ticket. By ordering a paper ticket in advance you can avoid waiting in long lines at the airport to have your e-ticket converted to paper. But, this is a costly option. Most airlines charge up-to $50 to produce a paper ticket.

Consider Insurance. Some policies cover strikes, but be sure to get all the details from the insurance company, such as whether any airlines are exempt or what amount is covered.

During a Strike...

If you have a cell phone, carry it. If your flight is cancelled at the last moment, you're only a phone call away from the assistance your travel agent can provide.

Pack your own snacks and water. It might seem like one more thing to carry, but if you are faced with a long wait in line or are trapped in the airport waiting for a delayed flight, having your own supply of water and unsalted snacks may make all the difference.

Need something special? If you need any special services, your bet may be to choose another carrier. [Pets, oxygen and stretchers count as special services]

Let Congress know how you feel. If you are fed up with being at the mercy of the airlines, send a letter to their Congressional representatives to let them know that you believe the government must act now to protect consumers.