Compensation and Reimbursement for Air India Strike

Flight delays or cancellations caused by an airline strike can seriously disrupt travel plans. Fortunately, in many cases, passengers are protected by EU261/2004 regulation. This regulation establishes the rules for compensation and assistance for travelers during airline strikes. In this article, we will look at passenger rights and how to claim compensation from the airline.

When Are You Entitled to Air India Strike Compensation?

EU Regulation 261/2004 protects travelers affected by airline strikes. This legislation obliges the airline to pay compensation in the event of a standard crew strike and a “wildcat” strike. These labor disputes are considered part of operational problems, consequently, the airline is responsible for them.

It is crucial to understand that the situation with compensation is complex. Some strikes may qualify for the “extraordinary circumstances” exception. These include strikes by baggage handlers, fire crews, ground staff, etc. In the event of disruptions due to these ground staff, the chances of receiving compensation may be significantly reduced. It is crucial to identify exactly which personnel is involved in the strike. This directly impacts your right to compensation.

Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of flight cancellation due to a strike, the airline must inform passengers of the cancellation at least 14 days before the scheduled departure. If the airline fails to notify you during the specified period, it is obliged to pay compensation to travelers in the amount of up to 600 euros.

It is crucial 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 depends on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight, as shown 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 arrive at your final destination more than three hours later than planned, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger. It is important to note that the duration of the delay depends solely on when you reach your final destination, not on how late the plane departed.

The amount of compensation depends 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 Air India Strike Compensation

When a travel disruption occurs, passengers may be eligible for compensation, but certain requirements must be met. It’s important to understand these criteria to properly navigate the compensation process:

• Your flight must be covered by the EU261 regulation. This covers all flights leaving from EU airports, regardless of the airline. It also covers flights arriving in the EU, but only when operated by an EU-based airline.
• A flight cancellation or delay has significantly disrupted your travel plans. This means your flight has been delayed by three hours or more at the final destination, or it was cancelled with less than fourteen days’ notice before the scheduled departure.
• You must have a confirmed reservation and be prepared to travel. This includes having a valid booking and all necessary travel documents prepared (passport, visas).
• You need to arrive at the airport on time. Check-in within the time specified by the airline. If no time is given, arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure to stay eligible for compensation.

In case you believe you meet these requirements following a Air India strike, it’s advisable to document your experience thoroughly and get in touch directly with the airline about your compensation claim. Being aware of your rights and responsibilities is the first step in potentially obtaining compensation for an airline strike.

How to Claim Air India Strike Compensation

Dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to strikes is always frustrating. It can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:

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 take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

By following these steps, you’ll obtain the compensation you are entitled to under EU law.

Other Rights in Case of a Flight Strike

In addition to compensation, passengers must know about certain services they can expect to receive from the airline in case of a flight disruption. These services aim to reduce inconveniences and provide some comfort to passengers during delays or cancellations. Note that the services we are describing below are a part of the airline company’s duty to care for each passenger.

Right to Care

When the flight delay is two hours or more, the airline is required to provide affected passengers with certain services to alleviate discomfort. Some of the basic services include free beverages and meals. Moreover, the affected passengers have a right to make two calls and send faxes, or e-mails 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 offer some flexibility, which is great because you can choose what works best for you.

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