Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines have to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled because of a strike. In this article, we will clarify what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can assist you. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 Now let’s focus on the specifics of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will learn about your entitlement to 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 are entitled to claim 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” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control. Flight Cancellation Compensation According to EU Regulation 261, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you of the flight cancellation within 14 days before your planned departure 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 proposed by the airline but reached the final destination later than you were supposed to, 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. See the table provided 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 caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your plans. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts a minimum of three hours. Concerning the potential amount of compensation that passengers can expect, 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 cases 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 choose the option that meets your needs. Right to Care Besides compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. Therefore, the airline must provide passengers with food, 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 obliged to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel. Upgrading and Downgrading In some instances, it happens the airline can either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when offering 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 benefit. In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation here 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 regulations apply to all flights within the EU; besides, these regulations 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 in which the airline cannot control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute could significantly affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such events are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation happens. Therefore, the airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights. Although 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 prevent 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 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers 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 aren’t required 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 261Flights departing from EU airports✔️ YesFlights 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 spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps: Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.