Refunds and Compensation for Sun Country Airlines Strike

Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed because of a strike. In this article, we will explain what EU261 is and how it can assist you.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

Now let’s focus on the details of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will learn about your eligibility for compensation and what benefits you can expect in the event of a flight disruption.

Right to Compensation

The European Union regulation states that if you are covered by EU 261, you have a right to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. It’s important to note, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control.

Flight Cancellation Compensation

In line with EU Regulation 261, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you about the cancellation within 14 days before your scheduled travel date.

However, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight is required to meet specific requirements:

• If your flight is over 3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 4 hours;
• If your flight is 1,500-3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 3 hours;
• If your flight is less than 1,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 2 hours;

If you agreed to the alternative flight offered by the airline but reached the final destination later than you were supposed to, you are still eligible to claim compensation.

The primary factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the duration of the delay. Check the table provided below for compensation amounts:

Under 2 hours	2-3 hours	3-4 hours	Over 4 hours	Never arrived	Distance
€125	€250	€250	€250	€250	All flights 1,500 km or less
€200	€200	€400	€400	€400	Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200	€200	€400	€400	€400	Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300	€300	€300	€600	€600	Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Flight Delay Compensation

Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your itinerary. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts at least three hours.

Concerning the potential compensation amount that passengers could be entitled to, there are two crucial factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. See the table provided below for compensation amounts:

Less than 3 hours	Between 3-4 hours	Over 4 hours	Distance
€0	€250	€250	All flights up to 1500 km
€0	€400	€400	All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0	€400	€400	All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0	€300	€600	All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Ticket Refund or Alternative Transportation

In the rare situations when a passenger’s flight is either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger has more significant rights. There are two options for you to choose from:

• You can refuse the delayed or cancelled flight and choose a full refund, meaning that you will also cancel your planned trip, and there won’t be a financial penalty for this.
• You can agree to use an alternative flight that the airline arranges for you.

As you can see, you have the right to select the option that meets your needs.

Right to Care

Besides compensation for a disrupted flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline is required to provide passengers with meals, beverages, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. If your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation from the airport to the hotel and back.

Upgrading and Downgrading

In some instances, it occurs the airline may either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In these situations, you should be aware of specific rules and your rights:

In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you aren’t required to pay extra for this advantage.

In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Again, the compensation in this case is based on the distance of the flight:

• 30% of the cost of the flights that are 1,500 km or less;
• 50% of the cost of t is an intra-EU flight over 1,500 km; also, if these are all other flights that are 1,500-3,500 km;
• 75% of the cost of the flight is 3,500 km and more.

These rules cover all flights inside the EU; additionally, these rules cover flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on EU-based airlines.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, you should understand that in cases where the airline can’t influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute can significantly affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation happens. Therefore, the airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights.

Even though many cases of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this does not automatically mean that the airline will not provide compensation.

In line with the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove they have done everything possible to avoid a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, they are obliged to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

However, Sun Country Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

Itinerary	Covered by EU 261
Flights departing from EU airports	✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at EU airports	❌ No

How to Get Sun Country Airlines Strike Compensation

Dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to strikes is always frustrating. It can not only ruin your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, take the following actions:

1. Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.

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