UK & Ireland
Travel Alerts
We keep our clients up to date with the latest industry developments and travel disruption communications. Please contact your programme manager to subscribe to our mailing lists which will ensure you receive these as they occur.
Lufthansa pilot strike confirmed - 8 September 2015
Pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has announced a strike tomorrow (8 September) on Lufthansa-operated long-haul routes departing from Germany from 0800 – 23:59. However, the action reportedly will not impact operations on Germanwings (4U) routes.
Impact on travel
Passengers are being warned to expect severe delays and widespread cancellations. Flight backlogs on other airlines are possible as they try to accommodate Lufthansa passengers, and lingering disruptions may occur after the work stoppage ends.
The carrier also warns that Lufthansa flights departing from other airports could be delayed or rescheduled on or after 9 September as the airline may be unable to reposition planes.
What do CWT clients need to do?
CWT travellers are advised to:
• Check the status of your flight before travelling to the airport. Consider if your journey is essential or could be rebooked
• For help with an existing booking in office hours contact your local CWT branch via your normal number
• For disruptions outside office hours, your call will automatically be transferred to our 24 hour Service Centre (24HSC)
• Keep up to date on affected flights by checking with Lufthansa direct
• Use CWT’s mobile app, CWT To GoTM for real-time updates on travel bookings.
• You can subscribe to ijet alerts here
CWT will continue to monitor developments to ensure service levels are maintained and provide updated information on our website as appropriate.
Potential UK-wide rail strike –prepare now (25-26 May 2015)
Network Rail workers belonging to the RMT union have threatened to stage a nationwide 24-hour strike from 1700 25 May, causing most disruption during commuting hours on 26 May.
The strike is likely to affect long-distance and regional networks, local services including the London Underground and Overground, and airport express shuttles to London Gatwick (LGW) and London Heathrow (LHR) airports. Disruptions to Eurostar services are currently unlikely.
Train companies have agreed to put in place special ticketing arrangements to make it easier for travellers should the industrial action go ahead. Please see details below:
If you already have a valid Anytime, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak ticket valid for travel on either the Monday 25 or Tuesday 26 May the ticket will be valid for travel on Sunday 24 May or Wednesday 27 May, subject to any travel restrictions that would normally apply to the ticket on those days.
Those with an Advance ticket for travel on Monday 25 or Tuesday 26 May will also be able to travel at the same time on either Sunday 24 May or Wednesday 27 May or on the train immediately before or after.
If you already have a ticket valid for travel on any of the days potentially affected by the planned industrial action and no longer wish to travel, a full refund is available.
What do CWT clients need to do?
CWT travellers are advised to:
• Make alternative plans early – contact your local CWT branch for assistance
• For disruptions outside office hours, your call will automatically be transferred to our 24 hour Service Centre (24HSC) but please note that this service cannot assist with domestic rail reservations
• Keep up to date by checking for further CWT travel alerts. Subscribe to iJet alerts here
• Check for latest on the strike by checking with national rail direct, on Twitter @nationalrailenq or using the hashtag #IndustrialAction
Lufthansa pilot strike confirmed - 18 March 2015
Pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has announced a strike tomorrow (18 March) on Lufthansa-operated short and medium haul routes from 0:00 – 24:00.
Impact to travel
Cancellations and delays of Lufthansa flights are very likely to occur.
The association Cockpit announced that flights operated by Germanwings, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Swiss und Air Dolomiti should not be affected.
However Lufthansa warns that Germanwings flights could also be affected by the industrial action.
What do CWT clients need to do?
CWT travellers are advised to:
• Check the status of your flight (or alternative mode of transport) before travelling to the airport. Consider if your journey is essential or could be rebooked
• For help with an existing booking in office hours contact your local CWT branch via your normal number
• For disruptions outside office hours, your call will automatically be transferred to our 24 hour Service Centre (24HSC)
• Keep up to date on affected flights by checking with Lufthansa direct
• You can subscribe to ijet alerts here
CWT will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated information on our website as appropriate.
Thousands of flights cancelled as North East US prepares for snowstorm
**Plan ahead - major disruption likely **
Up to three feet of snow is expected with high winds to follow as a snowstorm builds this afternoon on north-east coast of the US, the National Weather Service has warned.
A blizzard warning has been issued across New York and Boston from Monday afternoon until Tuesday. Heavy snowfall is forecast from Philadelphia to Maine at a rate of up to four inches an hour and high winds in the Boston area. Wind gusts of 75 mph or more are forecast for coastal areas of Massachusetts.
More than 5,000 flights in and out of airports along the East Coast have been cancelled. According to local media reports all United Airlines flights to and from Newark, New York Kennedy, Boston and Philadelphia are being cancelled on Tuesday and operations at airports throughout the Northeast will also be affected.
There are warnings that public transport and major roads could closed before evening rush hour in New York and a travel ban after 21:00 local time is being imposed in Connecticut.
What do CWT clients need to do?
CWT travellers are advised to:
• Check the status of your flight (or alternative mode of transport) before travelling to the airport. Consider if your journey is essential or could be rebooked
• For help with an existing booking in office hours contact your local CWT branch via your normal number
• For disruptions outside office hours, your call will automatically be transferred to our 24 hour Service Centre (24HSC)
• Keep up to date by checking CWT travel alerts and other news sources such as or bbc.co.uk
• You can subscribe to ijet alerts here
During this time we are anticipating very high call volumes in the 24HSC and although we are working hard to meet the demand with additional staff, it may take longer than usual to respond to calls.
