Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines have to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled as a result of a strike. In this article, we will explain what EU261 is and how it can help you. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 Now let’s focus on the details of EU Regulation 261. 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 are entitled to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers disrupts your flight. Notably, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control. Flight Cancellation Compensation Under 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 scheduled travel date. Yet, as it often happens, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they decide to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight should 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 provided by the airline but arrived at the final destination later than you were supposed to, you are still eligible to claim compensation. The primary factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the delay time. 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 caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your plans. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts a minimum of three hours. Regarding the possible compensation amount that passengers can expect, there are two crucial factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. See the table 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 obtains more substantial rights. You have two options to select 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 delayed or cancelled flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. So, the airline must provide passengers with food, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. If your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline has to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation from the airport to the hotel and back. Upgrading and Downgrading Sometimes it occurs the airline might either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In such cases, you need to be aware of specific rules and your rights: In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you don’t need to pay extra for this advantage. In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline is obligated to reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation here 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; additionally, these regulations apply to 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 know that in cases 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 (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation happens. As a result, an airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights. Even though 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 it has 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? European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. 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, Bering Air isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged 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 261Flights departing from EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at EU airports❌ No How to Get Bering Air Strike Compensation Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. It can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps: Fill in 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 know the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.