Refunds and Compensation for American Airlines Strike

Yurii Moskalenko
30.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines are required to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike. In this article, we will clarify what EU261 is and how it can assist you.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

Now let’s focus on the specifics of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will learn about 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 the EU 261/2004, you have a right to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers disrupts your flight. Notably, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control.

Flight Cancellation Compensation

In line with EU Regulation 261, you are entitled to 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 scheduled travel date.

However, as it often happens, 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. Though this flight must also 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 arrived at the final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation.

The primary 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 can significantly disrupt your itinerary. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.

Concerning the possible compensation amount that passengers may receive, there are two crucial factors 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 delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger is entitled to more significant rights. There are two options for you to choose from:

  • You can refuse the cancelled or delayed 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 choose the option that meets your needs.

Right to Care

Besides compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. Therefore, the airline must provide passengers with meals, beverages, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel.

Upgrading and Downgrading

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

In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you aren’t required to pay extra for this benefit.

In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation in this case entirely depends 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 cover all flights within the EU; additionally, 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 situations when the airline can’t 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 occasions are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation happens. As a result, the airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights.

Although many instances 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 avoid 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?

EU 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies 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, American Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This is true even for 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 American Airlines Strike Compensation

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

  1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best 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

08.05.202511:25

American Airlines

8468

Tokyo (HND)

Singapore (SIN)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202510:40

American Airlines

8433

Tokyo (HND)

Bangkok (BKK)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202510:30

American Airlines

8397

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202507:30

American Airlines

8490

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202506:30

American Airlines

8473

Tokyo (HND)

Okinawa (OKA)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202501:30

American Airlines

8493

Tokyo (HND)

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202500:05

American Airlines

8487

Tokyo (HND)

Singapore (SIN)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202523:20

American Airlines

8494

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202520:25

American Airlines

7631

Seattle (SEA)

Juneau (JNU)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202520:20

American Airlines

6907

Seattle (SEA)

London (LHR)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202519:59

American Airlines

7527

Seattle (SEA)

Los Angeles (SMF)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202519:55

American Airlines

7618

Seattle (SEA)

Anchorage (ANC)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202519:50

American Airlines

7559

Seattle (SEA)

Bellingham (BLI)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202519:45

American Airlines

8489

Tokyo (HND)

Okayama (OKJ)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202519:27

American Airlines

7543

Austin (AUS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202518:20

American Airlines

8455

Tokyo (HND)

Hiroshima (HIJ)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202518:00

American Airlines

8444

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:59

American Airlines

7409

Seattle (SEA)

Fairbanks (FAI)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:40

American Airlines

1944

Tampa (TPA)

(DCA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:39

American Airlines

1754

Dallas (DFW)

Vail (EGE)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:35

American Airlines

8457

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:34

American Airlines

2506

Tampa (TPA)

Philadelphia (PHL)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:30

American Airlines

8390

Tokyo (HND)

Kumamoto (KMJ)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:15

American Airlines

8420

Tokyo (HND)

Misawa (MSJ)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202516:49

American Airlines

9356

San Francisco (SFO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202516:30

American Airlines

8398

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202516:30

American Airlines

6908

London (LHR)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202516:15

American Airlines

9363

Seattle (SEA)

Pasco (PSC)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202516:09

American Airlines

727

Dallas (DFW)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202516:00

American Airlines

8448

Fukuoka (FUK)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202515:55

American Airlines

8451

Tokyo (HND)

Okinawa (OKA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202515:50

American Airlines

8450

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202515:23

American Airlines

3185

Tampa (TPA)

Dallas (DFW)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202515:05

American Airlines

7857

Lima (LIM)

Piura (PIU)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202514:30

American Airlines

9399

San Francisco (SFO)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202513:52

American Airlines

9351

Walla Walla (ALW)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202513:41

American Airlines

9442

Pullman (PUW)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202513:25

American Airlines

8463

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202513:06

American Airlines

9395

Seattle (SEA)

Yakima (YKM)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202512:55

American Airlines

8471

Fukuoka (FUK)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202512:25

American Airlines

1579

Miami (MIA)

Santa Clara (SNU)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202512:20

American Airlines

8477

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202512:15

American Airlines

1319

Miami (MIA)

Camaguey (CMW)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202512:05

American Airlines

8515

Brussels (BRU)

Madrid (MAD)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202511:59

American Airlines

7555

Seattle (SEA)

Pullman (PUW)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202511:25

American Airlines

8468

Tokyo (HND)

Singapore (SIN)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202511:10

American Airlines

8425

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202511:00

American Airlines

8386

Kagoshima (KOJ)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202510:57

American Airlines

2775

Tampa (TPA)

(DCA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202510:40

American Airlines

6337

Phoenix (PHX)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202510:40

American Airlines

8433

Tokyo (HND)

Bangkok (BKK)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202510:30

American Airlines

8397

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202510:25

American Airlines

4476

Nashville (BNA)

New York (LGA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202509:55

American Airlines

8452

Misawa (MSJ)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202508:22

American Airlines

1704

Tampa (TPA)

Charlotte (CLT)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202507:20

American Airlines

7606

Juneau (JNU)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202507:10

American Airlines

8396

Tokyo (HND)

Fukuoka (FUK)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202507:03

American Airlines

644

Salt Lake City (SLC)

Dallas (DFW)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202507:00

American Airlines

7515

Newark (EWR)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202506:30

American Airlines

8473

Tokyo (HND)

Okinawa (OKA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202506:00

American Airlines

7615

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202502:20

American Airlines

8148

Doha (DOH)

Lahore (LHE)

cancelled

Refunds

07.05.202501:35

American Airlines

8201

Doha (DOH)

Nairobi (NBO)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202522:30

American Airlines

1355

Dallas (DFW)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202522:10

American Airlines

7075

Accra (ACC)

London (LHR)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202521:04

American Airlines

788

Dallas (DFW)

Cedar Rapids (CID)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202521:00

American Airlines

7218

Accra (ACC)

London (LGW)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202520:42

American Airlines

1809

Dallas (DFW)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202520:40

American Airlines

2709

Dallas (DFW)

Palm Springs (PSP)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202520:25

American Airlines

7631

Seattle (SEA)

Juneau (JNU)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202520:05

American Airlines

8443

Tokyo (HND)

Okinawa (OKA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202520:05

American Airlines

6932

New York (JFK)

London (LGW)

cancelled

Refunds

06.05.202519:59

American Airlines

9400

Seattle (SEA)

San Francisco (SFO)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202519:55

American Airlines

8483

Tokyo (HND)

Nagoya (NGO)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202519:55

American Airlines

7618

Seattle (SEA)

Anchorage (ANC)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202519:50

American Airlines

7559

Seattle (SEA)

Bellingham (BLI)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202519:45

American Airlines

8489

Tokyo (HND)

Okayama (OKJ)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202519:10

American Airlines

8441

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

cancelled

Refunds

06.05.202519:02

American Airlines

1793

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Dallas (DFW)

cancelled

Refunds

06.05.202518:58

American Airlines

3838

Phoenix (PHX)

Cedar Rapids (CID)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202518:45

American Airlines

2001

Philadelphia (PHL)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202518:10

American Airlines

100

New York (JFK)

London (LHR)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202518:00

American Airlines

8444

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:55

American Airlines

6943

Newark (EWR)

London (LHR)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:45

American Airlines

8388

Tokyo (HND)

Nagasaki (NGS)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:45

American Airlines

8446

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:39

American Airlines

1754

Dallas (DFW)

Vail (EGE)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:35

American Airlines

8457

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:30

American Airlines

8390

Tokyo (HND)

Kumamoto (KMJ)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:15

American Airlines

8420

Tokyo (HND)

Misawa (MSJ)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:06

American Airlines

1062

Memphis (MEM)

Dallas (DFW)

cancelled

Refunds

06.05.202517:05

American Airlines

8438

Tokyo (HND)

Fukuoka (FUK)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:05

American Airlines

7011

New York (MCO)

London (LGW)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202516:45

American Airlines

2061

Dallas (DFW)

Cedar Rapids (CID)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202516:30

American Airlines

6908

London (LHR)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202516:15

American Airlines

9363

Seattle (SEA)

Pasco (PSC)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202516:09

American Airlines

727

Dallas (DFW)

Seattle (SEA)

cancelled

Refunds

06.05.202516:00

American Airlines

8448

Fukuoka (FUK)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202515:51

American Airlines

7466

Fairbanks (FAI)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202515:50

American Airlines

8450

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Refunds
Yurii Moskalenko
2192 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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