In travel news for June 20th, 2023 we talk about various strikes planned across Europe, the major Cruise lines have clarified their positions on Marijuana and cbd, and the Official Airline Guide releases their analysis of Air Travel between the United States and Europe.
A Stormy Summer for European Travel: Navigating the Landscape of Strikes
This summer, Europe's travel landscape is riddled with airline strikes, causing widespread travel disruptions. French air traffic controllers, Spanish ground staff, and Italian air crew are among those taking industrial action. Strikes in France and Italy have led to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays, affecting travelers' plans. Simultaneously, Ryanair is dealing with strikes by its cabin crew in Spain and Portugal and its pilots in the UK. The airline is accused of poor working conditions and non-compliance with local labor laws. Air traffic control strikes, particularly in France, have been a perennial summer problem, affecting not only flights to and from France but also those flying in French airspace. The advice for travelers during these times of disruption is to keep informed about the status of their flights, know their rights regarding compensation, and consider alternative transport means when feasible.
Clear Sailing: Major Cruise Lines Establish Stance on Cannabis and CBD
Major Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line have taken a clear stance on cannabis and CBD, with regulations aligned with U.S. federal law. Despite the legality of these substances in certain states, possession on cruises sailing from U.S. ports is prohibited. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, does not allow CBD products used for medicinal purposes as they may not be legal in all visited ports. Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Line lists Marijuana and CBD products as prohibited items. While the rules might appear confusing, passengers must remember that when they leave from a U.S. port, they must comply with federal laws. Given the risks involved, passengers are advised to avoid carrying cannabis or CBD products aboard, regardless of the laws in their home states.
An Atlantic Affair: Record-Breaking US to Europe Air Travel Reveals Post-Pandemic Surge
Travel between the United States and Western Europe has seen a significant post-pandemic recovery, according to a market analysis by Official Airline Guide. Transatlantic Air Travel has reportedly experienced a nearly 40% increase within a 10-year span, with an expected 111,400 flights from Western Europe to the U.S. scheduled for Summer 2023. Factors contributing to this recovery include family connections, tourism, and a resumption of Business Travel. In comparison to Summer 2000, there are now fewer airlines operating these routes due to mergers and consolidations, but the scale of the networks has grown. Notably, the "Big Three" U.S. carriers now dominate the market. While there has been a decrease in the number of airport pairs, the overall number of flights has increased, suggesting a focus on core networks.