Helping smooth the SAA strike

Recently SAA’s staff downed their tools and went on a strike that saw several days of flight cancellations. It’s not a trend that is unique to South Africa that large organisations unionize and strike. Even in the United States, in January 2019 there was a government shutdown that included workers from international airlines. The behind the scenes reasons and politics are complex, but these strikes can cause a huge impact on our travel plans – whether for business or leisure.

The SAA shutdown caused (and is still causing) issues for thousands of travelers, many of which had to rebook their flights or cancel completely. Those that had booked online were stranded at airports around the world if they were not aware of the strike, and while the other airlines tried to assist where possible, availability quickly ran out and many people were required to spend exorbitant amounts of money to re-route.

I had a friend affected who had booked online and was out of the country when she heard about the strike. She tried in vain to contact the site she had booked through, but was unable to. She also could not get hold of the airline, and in desperation reached out to me to help her. As a travel professional I have access to a lot of information prior to it being released to the public. I also have systems and contacts, as well as a dedicated support team, that are positioned to assist in cases like this. I was able to find a contact through my network who worked at the site she booked through, and speak with them directly. While I could not access her file to directly assist her, I managed to get all of the information she needed to cancel the SAA flight and rebook onto another flight. She was thrilled and amazed at the help I was prepared to giver her, even though she had not booked with me.

Using online services may seem easy and at first glance there may been some money saved, but having a dedicated professional at your hands is the best way to guarantee the smoothest possible travels. Because while some things are out of your control, together you are as well equipped as possible. I’m with my clients throughout the booking process, the travel dates, and the follow up. I am available 24/7 to my travelling clients, and this allows them to focus fully on their travels – either for that long-awaited holiday, or that important meeting first thing tomorrow.

In the travel industry, supplier strikes can cause immense challenges, but you as the traveler shouldn’t be the one to worry – leave that to the professionals!