That kind of demand in a system that is woefully underfunded and understaffed is likely to create substantial frustrations among travelers.įreeman worries that a repeat of last year’s air travel mayhem will hurt overall tourism spending.

Travel Association, previously said: 'This summer’s travel demand will be as strong as we’ve seen since before the pandemic, and potentially the strongest ever,” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says they expect 2023 summer air travel volumes to surpass pre-pandemic levels, and experts say that many of the issues that led to last year's meltdown have not been resolved. Last summer the aviation industry ground to a halt with thousands of flights being delayed. United Airlines pilots are participating in a nationwide informational picket today also, marching through airports around the country. Members of the Air Line Pilots Association International participate in an informational picket on behalf of United Airline pilots at O'Hare International Airport today Southwest pilots are the latest to vote to authorize a strike, after pilots at both United Airlines and American Airlines also backed a strike. 'This anticipated authorization vote result does not change our commitment to the negotiation process, and we look forward to continuing discussions with SWAPA at the negotiating table.' 'We want our customers to be prepared for the path ahead and make arrangements on other carriers so that their plans through the summer and fall are not disrupted.'Īdam Carlisle, Vice President Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines, said: 'Our negotiating team continues to bargain in good faith and work toward reaching a new agreement to reward our Pilots. Murray continued: 'We want our passengers to understand that we do not take this path lightly and are disheartened that the LUV airline has gotten so far away from the values set forth by Herb Kelleher. 'Our pilots are tired of apologizing to our passengers on behalf of a company that refuses to place its priorities on its internal and external customers.' 'The lack of leadership and the unwillingness to address the failures of our organization have led us to this point. SWAPA President Casey Murray said: 'This is a historic day, not only for our pilots, but for Southwest Airlines. Pictured: Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan who took on the role last FebruaryĮven then, the President and Congress can block a strike but unions like to take votes to increase their leverage at the bargaining table.

Southwest airlines strike 2022