Virtuoso Vice President of Global Public Relations Misty Belles Breaks Down the Holiday Travel Season and Her Outlook for 2025
The holiday travel season is upon us, with airports expecting record numbers of passengers. Amidst the excitement, service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina have gone on strike in protest of unfair labor practices and poverty wages. The strike, which began at 5 a.m. Monday, involves workers employed by American Airlines contractors ABM and Prospect Airport Services.
The striking workers, including cabin cleaners, ramp workers, lavatory workers, wheelchair attendants, and trash truck drivers, are demanding better wages and working conditions. Many of these workers earn as little as $12.50 an hour, which is not considered a livable wage for a single person with no children in Charlotte, according to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
The strike is expected to continue over the Thanksgiving week, when the airport is expected to see a 7% increase in passengers from 2023, with approximately 1.02 million passengers predicted to depart from the airport between November 21 and December 2.
The strike has sparked concerns about the potential disruptions to airport operations during this critical time. However, the companies involved, ABM and Prospect Airport Services, have assured that they are committed to addressing the concerns of their team members and minimizing any impact to travelers.
Meanwhile, Misty Belles, Virtuoso Vice President of Global Public Relations, has shared her outlook for the 2025 holiday travel season. According to Belles, the industry can expect a growing demand for immersive travel experiences, sustainability, and personalization. With the rise of eco-friendly and socially conscious travelers, hotels and airlines are adapting to meet these demands by incorporating new sustainable practices and customizing experiences for guests.
As the holiday season gets underway, it will be interesting to see how the striking workers’ demands are addressed and what impact it has on the travel industry as a whole. For now, passengers flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport can expect some disruptions and are advised to plan accordingly.
