Compensation and Reimbursement for Air India Express Strike

Flight delays or cancellations due to an airline strike can seriously disrupt travel plans. Fortunately, in many cases, passengers are protected by EU261/2004 regulation. This regulation outlines the rules for assistance and compensation for travelers in cases of 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 Express Strike Compensation?

EU Regulation 261/2004 protects passengers affected by airline strikes. This legislation obliges the airline to issue compensation during 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 important to understand that the situation with compensation is complex. Certain strikes may be classified as the “extraordinary circumstances” exception. These include strikes by cargo handlers, fire crews, ground personnel, etc. In the event of disruptions caused by these ground crew members, the chances of obtaining compensation may be significantly reduced. It is essential to determine exactly which personnel is involved in the strike. This directly influences your right to compensation.

Flight Cancellation Compensation

In cases 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 fails to notify you within the specified period, it is obliged to pay compensation to passengers in the amount of up to 600 euros.

It is crucial to note that the airline is not obligated to issue 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 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 EU261/2004 regulation, if your flight is delayed and you arrive at your final destination more than 3 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 arrive at 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 Air India Express Strike Compensation

When a flight disruption occurs, passengers could be entitled to compensation, but certain requirements must be met. It is important to understand these requirements to effectively manage the compensation process:

• Your flight must be covered by the EU261/2004 regulation. This applies to all flights departing 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 delay or cancellation 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 fewer than fourteen days’ notice before the scheduled departure.
• You are required to have a valid reservation and be ready to travel. This includes having a valid booking and all essential travel documents ready (passport, visas).
• You need to get to the airport on time. Complete check-in within the specified time by the airline. If no time is given, arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure to maintain eligibility for compensation.

If you believe you meet these conditions following a Air India Express 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 to potentially obtaining compensation for an airline strike.

How to Claim Air India Express Strike Compensation

Dealing with delayed or cancelled flights due to strikes is always frustrating. It can not only ruin your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To get compensated for this inconvenience, take the following actions:

1. Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

Following these steps, you’ll secure 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 case of a flight disruption. These services aim to reduce inconveniences and provide some comfort to passengers during delays or cancellations. Keep in mind that the services we are describing below are included in the airline company’s duty to care for each passenger.

Right to Care

If 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. Additionally, the affected passengers have a right to make 2 calls and send faxes, or e-mails for free.

Rebooking or Refunds

If your flight is cancelled or delayed by over five hours, you can request a full refund or an alternative flight to your final destination. These solutions offer some flexibility, which is great because you can choose what works best for you.

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