Pilots at German airline Lufthansa AG voted to go on a four-day strike next week to protest wage deals and potential plans to move jobs to lower-paying subsidiaries. The pilots' Vereinigung Cockpit union said the strike is to start Monday, February 22 at midnight and that more than 90 percent of the members from Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and subsidiary Germanwings voted in favor of labor action. A strike at Germany's biggest airline could affect 4,500 Lufthansa pilots alone, plus those at Lufthansa Cargo and subsidiary Germanwings. It could potentially cause massive disruptions in delays and cancellations across the country, Europe and internationally.

Passengers who are already booked on a Lufthansa flight during February 22 to 25, and wish to change their travel plans can rebook once free of charge to another Lufthansa flight -- provided their ticket is issued before February 18, 2010 and their new travel date is before March 31, 2010. Their departure and arrival destinations must also remain the same. Lufthansa will do its utmost to minimize the consequences of a stoppage for its customers and passengers.

Travel and Transport will be contacting any clients with flights during this period. We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated with any new information or changes as they arise.