Hi All,
I can't find another thread about this already. The union representing the AirNZ jet fleet hanger/line maintenance staff is planning to strike for 3 days from 21st December.
This presents a risk to me, as if they can't agree a way forward during mediation, it could leave me stuck in the South Island just before Xmas.
We are meeting the in-laws (they live in Australia) in CHC this weekend and touring around the SI for a week ending up in Queenstown. We are due to fly back home (with in-laws) to Auckland the following Sat (22nd). Unfortunately we don't have any friends or family in the South Island, so we would be at the mercy of what accommodation is left at this busy time of year if we were stranded there. Been looking at a plan B; possibly to buy a "refundable" (with credit vouchers :-( ) JetStar flight on the same day back to Auckland (just over $200/head) as an insurance policy - worth it to avoid Xmas being ruined. However, I am wondering whether JetStar would really have their own, independent, engineers at a small airport like Queenstown, or would they have an agreement for AirNZ to provide their engineering support there? i.e. would I be totally wasting my money?
I appreciate that the most likely outcome is that the strike is called off, as the amount of bad-will that it would create for both the airline and union at this time of year would be terrible. But on the off chance it goes ahead, I would like to avoid the risk of Xmas in a motel with my 80 year old in laws.
Any ideas much appreciated.
I can't find another thread about this already. The union representing the AirNZ jet fleet hanger/line maintenance staff is planning to strike for 3 days from 21st December.
This presents a risk to me, as if they can't agree a way forward during mediation, it could leave me stuck in the South Island just before Xmas.
We are meeting the in-laws (they live in Australia) in CHC this weekend and touring around the SI for a week ending up in Queenstown. We are due to fly back home (with in-laws) to Auckland the following Sat (22nd). Unfortunately we don't have any friends or family in the South Island, so we would be at the mercy of what accommodation is left at this busy time of year if we were stranded there. Been looking at a plan B; possibly to buy a "refundable" (with credit vouchers :-( ) JetStar flight on the same day back to Auckland (just over $200/head) as an insurance policy - worth it to avoid Xmas being ruined. However, I am wondering whether JetStar would really have their own, independent, engineers at a small airport like Queenstown, or would they have an agreement for AirNZ to provide their engineering support there? i.e. would I be totally wasting my money?
I appreciate that the most likely outcome is that the strike is called off, as the amount of bad-will that it would create for both the airline and union at this time of year would be terrible. But on the off chance it goes ahead, I would like to avoid the risk of Xmas in a motel with my 80 year old in laws.
Any ideas much appreciated.