Flight delays or cancellations caused by an airline strike can seriously disrupt travel plans. However, in many cases, passengers are covered under EU261 regulation. This regulation defines the rules for assistance and compensation for travelers when facing airline strikes. In this article, we will look at passenger rights and the process of claiming compensation from the airline.
When Are You Entitled to Sunwing Strike Compensation?
EU Regulation 261/2004 protects travelers affected by airline strikes. This regulation obliges the airline to issue compensation during a standard crew strike and a “wildcat” strike. These labor disputes are considered part of operational issues, consequently, the airline is responsible for them.
It is crucial to understand that the situation with compensation is complex. Some strikes may fall under the “extraordinary circumstances” exception. These include strikes by cargo handlers, fire crews, ground personnel, etc. When faced with disruptions resulting from these ground staff, the chances of receiving compensation may be significantly reduced. It is essential to determine exactly which staff is involved in the strike. This directly affects your right to compensation.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of flight cancellation due to a strike, the airline must notify passengers of the cancellation at least 14 days before the scheduled departure. If the airline doesn’t inform you during the specified period, it is obliged to pay compensation to travelers in the amount of up to 600 euros.
It is essential to note that the airline is not obligated to pay compensation by providing you with an alternative flight to your final destination. However, if the alternative flight results in a later arrival at the final destination, passengers may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation is based on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight, as displayed in the table:
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
Under the EU261 regulation, if your flight is delayed and you reach your final destination more than three hours later than planned, you are eligible for compensation of up to €600 per passenger. It’s crucial to understand that the duration of the delay depends solely on when you reach your final destination, not on how late the plane took off.
The amount of compensation is based on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay:
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 |
Requirements for Sunwing Strike Compensation
When a travel disruption occurs, passengers may be entitled to compensation, but certain requirements must be met. It is crucial to understand these criteria to properly navigate the compensation process:
- Your flight must be covered by the EU261/2004 regulation. This covers all flights leaving from EU airports, regardless of the airline. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU, but only when operated by an EU-based airline.
- A flight delay or cancellation has significantly disrupted your travel plans. This means your flight has been delayed by 3 hours or more at the final destination, or it was cancelled with fewer than fourteen days’ notice before the scheduled departure.
- You are required to have a confirmed reservation and be ready to travel. This includes having a confirmed booking and all essential travel documents prepared (passport, visas).
- You need to arrive at the airport on time. Check-in by the time specified by the airline. If no specific time is provided, arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure to maintain eligibility for compensation.
If you believe you meet these conditions following a Sunwing strike, it’s advisable to document your experience thoroughly and communicate directly with the airline about your compensation claim. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is the first step towards potentially obtaining compensation for an airline strike.
How to Claim Sunwing Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to strikes is always frustrating. This can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws well and will do our best to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
By following these steps, obtain the compensation you are entitled to under EU law.
Other Rights in Case of a Flight Strike
In addition to compensation, passengers should know about certain services they can expect to receive from the airline in the event of a flight disruption. These services aim to reduce inconveniences and provide some comfort to passengers during delays or cancellations. Remember that the services we are describing below fall under the airline company’s duty to care for each passenger.
Right to Care
When the flight delay is 2+ hours, the airline is required to provide affected passengers with certain services to reduce discomfort. Some of the basic services include free beverages and meals. In addition to this, the affected passengers have a right to make 2 calls and send faxes, or emails for free.
Rebooking or Refunds
If your flight gets cancelled or delayed by 5+ hours, you have the right to a full refund or an alternative flight to your final destination. These options have some flexibility, which is great because you can choose what works best for you.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled due to the strike? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
---|---|---|---|---|
16.04.202512:20 | Sunwing 6315 | Cayo Largo Del Sur (CYO) Montreal (YUL) | delayed | Refunds |
14.04.202516:40 | Sunwing 7183 | (RIH) Toronto (YYZ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.04.202516:50 | Sunwing 6346 | Montreal (YUL) Holguin (HOG) | delayed | Refunds |
08.04.202508:10 | Sunwing 6208 | Ottawa (YOW) Cayo Coco (CCC) | delayed | Refunds |
04.04.202515:10 | Sunwing 775 | (RIH) Montreal (YUL) | delayed | Refunds |
03.04.202511:35 | Sunwing 6415 | Cayo Largo Del Sur (CYO) Qu?bec City (YQB) | delayed | Refunds |
02.04.202517:10 | Sunwing 6342 | Toronto (YYZ) Holguin (HOG) | delayed | Refunds |
01.04.202513:10 | Sunwing 6209 | Cayo Coco (CCC) Ottawa (YOW) | delayed | Refunds |
01.04.202508:10 | Sunwing 6208 | Ottawa (YOW) Cayo Coco (CCC) | delayed | Refunds |
31.03.202511:00 | Sunwing 7182 | Toronto (YYZ) (RIH) | delayed | Refunds |
28.03.202506:15 | Sunwing 600 | Toronto (YYZ) Cayo Coco (CCC) | delayed | Refunds |
26.03.202517:55 | Sunwing 6346 | Montreal (YUL) Holguin (HOG) | delayed | Refunds |
26.03.202511:20 | Sunwing 6315 | Cayo Largo Del Sur (CYO) Montreal (YUL) | delayed | Refunds |
25.03.202517:04 | Sunwing 3268 | Toronto (YYZ) Cayo Coco (CCC) | delayed | Refunds |
24.03.202516:40 | Sunwing 7183 | (RIH) Toronto (YYZ) | delayed | Refunds |
20.03.202506:00 | Sunwing 6414 | Qu?bec City (YQB) Cayo Largo Del Sur (CYO) | delayed | Refunds |
10.03.202516:40 | Sunwing 7183 | (RIH) Toronto (YYZ) | delayed | Refunds |
10.03.202511:00 | Sunwing 7182 | Toronto (YYZ) (RIH) | delayed | Refunds |