Refunds and Compensation for Alaska Airlines Strike

Yurii Moskalenko
30.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

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

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

Now let’s explore the particulars of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will discover your eligibility for compensation and what benefits you can expect in case of a flight disruption.

Right to Compensation

The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are protected by EU 261, you have a right to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers disrupts your flight. It’s important to note, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.

Flight Cancellation Compensation

According to EU Regulation 261, you can receive compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you of the flight cancellation within two weeks before your planned departure date.

Yet, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they decide to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight should also meet certain 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 arrived at the final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation.

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

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Flight Delay Compensation

Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts at least three hours.

As for the potential compensation amount that passengers may receive, there are two important things to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check the table provided below for compensation amounts:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Ticket Refund or Alternative Transportation

In the rare situations when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger has more significant rights. You have two options to select from:

  • You can refuse the delayed or cancelled flight and choose a full ticket 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 cancelled or delayed flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. So, the airline is required to provide passengers with meals, drinks, 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 transport to and from the hotel.

Upgrading and Downgrading

Sometimes it happens the airline may either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In these situations, you need to understand specific rules and your rights:

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

In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation in this case is determined by 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 within the EU; besides, these regulations apply to flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on airlines based in the EU.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, you should be aware 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 considerably affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such occasions are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation occurs. Therefore, an 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 doesn’t automatically mean that the airline will not provide compensation.

According to the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove they have done everything possible to prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is obliged to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

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

However, Alaska Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

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

How to Get Alaska Airlines Strike Compensation

Dealing with cancelled or delayed flights due to strikes is always frustrating. It can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:

  1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

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

29.05.202520:00

Alaska Horizon (Washington State Cougars

2466

Reno (RNO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202519:35

Alaska Airlines

1042

Los Angeles (SBP)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202519:20

Alaska Airlines

1399

Ontario (ONT)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202519:14

Alaska Airlines

439

Chicago (IAH)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202519:05

Alaska Airlines

379

Baltimore (BWI)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202518:59

Alaska Airlines

338

Seattle (SEA)

Omaha (OMA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202518:52

Alaska Airlines (West Coast Wonders Live

513

Boston (BOS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202518:49

Alaska Airlines

153

San Francisco (SFO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202518:43

Alaska Airlines

326

Tampa (TPA)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202518:42

Alaska Airlines

69

Seattle (SEA)

Ketchikan (KTN)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202518:10

Alaska SkyWest

3014

Seattle (SEA)

Portland (PDX)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202517:45

Alaska Horizon

2591

Seattle (SEA)

Boise (BOI)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202516:54

Alaska Airlines

221

Albuquerque (ABQ)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202516:39

Alaska Airlines

419

New York (MCO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202516:30

Alaska Airlines

218

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202516:26

Alaska Airlines

403

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202516:20

Alaska Horizon (Honoring Those Who Serve

2010

Idaho Falls (IDA)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202515:50

Alaska Airlines

106

Fairbanks (FAI)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202515:37

Alaska Airlines

551

Salt Lake City (SLC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202515:30

Alaska Airlines

501

Chicago (MCI)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202515:30

Alaska Airlines

220

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202515:30

Alaska Horizon (Washington State Cougars

2437

Vancouver (YVR)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202515:25

Alaska SkyWest

3436

Kelowna (YLW)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202514:43

Alaska Airlines

405

Oklahoma City (OKC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202514:34

Alaska Airlines

235

Honolulu (HNL)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202514:12

Alaska Airlines

582

Palm Springs (PSP)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202514:08

Alaska Airlines

609

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202514:07

Alaska Airlines

176

Juneau (JNU)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202513:52

Alaska Airlines

542

Ketchikan (KTN)

Seattle (SEA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

29.05.202513:24

Alaska Horizon

2463

Seattle (SEA)

Kalispell (FCA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202513:12

Alaska Horizon (Washington State Cougars

2436

Seattle (SEA)

Vancouver (YVR)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202512:56

Alaska Airlines

427

Denver (DEN)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202511:55

Alaska Airlines

1219

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

29.05.202511:51

Alaska Airlines

1255

Ontario (ONT)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202511:26

Alaska Airlines

741

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202511:24

Alaska Airlines

934

Seattle (SEA)

Eugene (EUG)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202511:13

Alaska SkyWest

3305

Santa Barbara (SBA)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202510:13

Alaska Airlines

229

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202509:45

Alaska Airlines

83

Seattle (SEA)

Anchorage (ANC)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202509:04

Alaska Airlines

501

Seattle (SEA)

Chicago (MCI)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202508:25

Alaska Horizon

2139

Seattle (SEA)

Boise (BOI)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202508:15

Alaska Airlines

1071

San Diego (SAN)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202508:05

Alaska Airlines

1306

Seattle (SEA)

Los Angeles (LAX)

cancelled

Claim Refund

29.05.202508:05

Alaska Airlines

210

Seattle (SEA)

Anchorage (ANC)

cancelled

Claim Refund

29.05.202508:00

Alaska Airlines

160

Anchorage (ANC)

Fairbanks (FAI)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202507:50

Alaska Airlines

7015

Anchorage (ANC)

Barrow (BRW)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202507:38

Alaska Horizon

2002

Anchorage (ANC)

Nome (OME)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202507:15

Alaska Airlines

381

Juneau (JNU)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202507:00

Alaska Airlines

1178

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202506:01

Alaska Air Cargo

7029

Anchorage (ANC)

Kodiak (ADQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202504:41

Alaska Air Cargo

7005

Anchorage (ANC)

Juneau (JNU)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202523:40

Alaska Airlines

328

Seattle (SEA)

(ORD)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202521:56

Alaska SkyWest

3393

Seattle (SEA)

Victoria (YYJ)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202521:50

Alaska Air Cargo

7096

Juneau (JNU)

Seattle (SEA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

28.05.202521:40

Alaska Airlines

565

Seattle (SEA)

Reno (RNO)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202521:30

Alaska Horizon

2093

Seattle (SEA)

Portland (PDX)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202521:09

Alaska Airlines

1185

San Jose (SJC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202520:52

Alaska Airlines

7004

Petersburg (PSG)

Seattle (SEA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

28.05.202520:18

Alaska Airlines

787

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202520:00

Alaska Horizon

2466

Reno (RNO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:54

Alaska Horizon

2086

Oakland (OAK)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:49

Alaska Airlines

1043

San Francisco (SFO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:16

Alaska SkyWest

3309

Redding (RDD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:14

Alaska Airlines

1203

Santa Ana (SNA)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202518:41

Alaska Airlines

66

Juneau (JNU)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202517:49

Alaska Airlines

605

Denver (DEN)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202517:44

Alaska Airlines

64

Ketchikan (KTN)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202517:22

Alaska Airlines

116

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202516:47

Alaska Airlines

1078

San Francisco (SFO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202516:30

Alaska Airlines

218

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202515:30

Alaska Airlines

220

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202515:12

Alaska Airlines

64

Petersburg (PSG)

Wrangell (WRG)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:38

Alaska Horizon

2490

Seattle (SEA)

Spokane (GEG)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:07

Alaska Airlines

176

Juneau (JNU)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202514:04

Alaska Horizon

2117

Wichita (ICT)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202513:34

Alaska Airlines

521

Austin (AUS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202512:00

Alaska Airlines

1144

Seattle (SEA)

Los Angeles (LAX)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202512:00

Alaska Airlines

738

Seattle (SEA)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:56

Alaska Horizon

2152

Seattle (SEA)

Pullman (PUW)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:54

Alaska Airlines

1007

Seattle (SEA)

Phoenix (PHX)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:43

Alaska Airlines

445

Seattle (SEA)

Reno (RNO)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:42

Alaska Airlines

1096

Seattle (SEA)

San Diego (SAN)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:36

Alaska Airlines

1018

Seattle (SEA)

Boise (BOI)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:30

Alaska Airlines

23

New York (JFK)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:26

Alaska Airlines

741

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202511:25

Alaska Airlines

1190

Seattle (SEA)

Santa Ana (SNA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202510:13

Alaska Airlines

229

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202510:05

Alaska Horizon

2122

Boise (BOI)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202510:00

Alaska Airlines

329

(ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202508:30

Alaska Airlines

109

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202508:00

Alaska Airlines

812

Kona (KOA)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202508:00

Alaska Airlines (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

409

(ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202508:00

Alaska Airlines

1109

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202508:00

Alaska Airlines

9814

Seattle (SEA)

Oklahoma City (OKC)

cancelled

Claim Refund

28.05.202507:30

Alaska Airlines

9200

Honolulu (HNL)

Seattle (SEA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

28.05.202507:21

Alaska Airlines

451

New Orleans (MSY)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202507:15

Alaska Airlines

381

Juneau (JNU)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202506:30

Alaska Airlines (San Francisco Giants Li

248

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202506:00

Alaska Airlines

188

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202500:34

Alaska Airlines

576

Seattle (SEA)

Dallas (DFW)

delayed

Claim Refund
Yurii Moskalenko
2296 articles
Yurii educates people about human rights and advocacy. He creates helpful materials for travelers to assert their rights. With certifications in law and economics, Yurii turns legal terms into simple, actionable advice. His travel experience gives him valuable insight into the challenges travelers face, helping him better understand their needs.

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