Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for passengers. There is a law called EU 261 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines are required to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled because of a strike. In this article, we will explain what EU261 is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s explore the specifics of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will discover your rights to compensation and what benefits you can expect in the event 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 claim 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” meaning circumstances the airline cannot 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 scheduled travel date.
However, as is frequently the case, 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. Though 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 provided by the airline but reached your 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. Check the table provided below for compensation amounts:
| 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
Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts at least three hours.
As for the possible compensation amount that passengers may receive, 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 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 |
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 substantial 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 select 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 is required to provide passengers with meals, drinks, 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
In some instances, it occurs the airline may either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In such cases, you should know about 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 is obligated to reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation here 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 apply to all flights within the EU; besides, these rules cover 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 know that in situations 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 could considerably affect aviation (it can be 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, the airline is not obligated 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 it has 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 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Delta Air Lines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, 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.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Get Delta Air Lines Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. This 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 what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09.05.202507:30 | Delta Air Lines 6543 | Shantou (SWA) Shanghai (PVG) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202520:35 | Delta Air Lines 7720 | Seoul (ICN) Taipei (TPE) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202517:00 | Delta Air Lines 740 | New York (JFK) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202516:22 | Delta Air Lines 472 | Atlanta (ATL) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:35 | Delta Air Lines 2114 | Minneapolis (MSP) Los Angeles (LAX) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:28 | Delta Air Lines 2612 | Minneapolis (MSP) Nashville (BNA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:25 | Delta Air Lines 3948 | Minneapolis (MSP) Omaha (OMA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:21 | Delta Air Lines 1036 | Minneapolis (MSP) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:20 | Delta Air Lines 5001 | Minneapolis (MSP) Toronto (YYZ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:20 | Delta Air Lines 5029 | Minneapolis (MSP) Louisville (SDF) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:15 | Delta Air Lines 4147 | Minneapolis (MSP) Winnipeg (YWG) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:15 | Delta Air Lines 2591 | Minneapolis (MSP) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:00 | Delta Air Lines 8171 | Mexico City (MEX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202514:40 | Delta Air Lines 2699 | Minneapolis (MSP) Raleigh (RDU) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202514:37 | Delta Air Lines 2525 | Minneapolis (MSP) Windsor Locks (BDL) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202513:49 | Delta Air Lines 2866 | Minneapolis (MSP) Newark (EWR) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202513:45 | Delta Air Lines 396 | San Francisco (SFO) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202513:45 | Delta Air Lines 3528 | Minneapolis (MSP) Norfolk (ORF) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202512:51 | Delta Air Lines 2392 | Minneapolis (MSP) Jacksonville (JAX) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202512:20 | Delta Air Lines 2927 | Minneapolis (MSP) Denver (DEN) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:50 | Delta Air Lines 9503 | Krakow (KRK) Amsterdam (AMS) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:50 | Delta Air Lines 9511 | Krakow (KRK) Amsterdam (AMS) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:30 | Delta Air Lines 3946 | Seattle (SEA) Ontario (ONT) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:30 | Delta Air Lines 2575 | Minneapolis (MSP) Kalispell (FCA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:09 | Delta Air Lines 2419 | Phoenix (PHX) Seattle (SEA) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202510:25 | Delta Air Lines 3683 | Minneapolis (MSP) Winnipeg (YWG) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202510:25 | Delta Air Lines 8401 | Paris (CDG) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202510:20 | Delta Air Lines 9172 | Aalborg (AAL) Amsterdam (AMS) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202510:10 | Delta Air Lines 4899 | Minneapolis (MSP) Cedar Rapids (CID) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202509:30 | Delta Air Lines 8638 | Paris (CDG) Budapest (BUD) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:55 | Delta Air Lines 4102 | Seattle (SEA) Tucson (TUS) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:45 | Delta Air Lines 351 | Seattle (SEA) Honolulu (HNL) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:35 | Delta Air Lines 9179 | Amsterdam (AMS) Aalborg (AAL) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202522:49 | Delta Air Lines 5467 | Atlanta (ATL) Mobile (MOB) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202522:45 | Delta Air Lines 7125 | Honolulu (HNL) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202521:40 | Delta Air Lines 4090 | Seattle (SEA) Boise (BOI) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202521:40 | Delta Air Lines 6396 | Shanghai (PVG) Taiyuan (TYN) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202519:50 | Delta Air Lines 4131 | Seattle (SEA) Los Angeles (SMF) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202519:05 | Delta Air Lines 6802 | Honolulu (HNL) Maui (OGG) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202518:50 | Delta Air Lines 8112 | Mexico City (MEX) Campeche (CPE) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202518:40 | Delta Air Lines 3692 | Seattle (SEA) Boise (BOI) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202518:10 | Delta Air Lines 6945 | Calgary (YYC) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202517:50 | Delta Air Lines 8071 | Mexico City (MEX) Ixtapa (ZIH) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202517:50 | Delta Air Lines 8170 | Mexico City (MEX) Ixtapa (ZIH) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202517:40 | Delta Air Lines 236 | Tampa (TPA) Amsterdam (AMS) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202516:20 | Delta Air Lines 2252 | Memphis (MEM) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202516:05 | Delta Air Lines 3695 | Santa Ana (SNA) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202515:00 | Delta Air Lines 8171 | Mexico City (MEX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202513:55 | Delta Air Lines 2533 | San Diego (SAN) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202512:10 | Delta Air Lines 8586 | Paris (CDG) Nice (NCE) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202512:05 | Delta Air Lines 6943 | Calgary (YYC) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202512:00 | Delta Air Lines 9971 | Seoul (ICN) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202511:30 | Delta Air Lines 1045 | Los Angeles (LAX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202511:25 | Delta Air Lines 332 | Boston (BOS) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202511:20 | Delta Air Lines 295 | Atlanta (ATL) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202510:55 | Delta Air Lines 2630 | Salt Lake City (SLC) San Jose (SJC) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202510:47 | Delta Air Lines 9960 | Seattle (SEA) Minneapolis (MSP) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202510:23 | Delta Air Lines 4095 | Memphis (MEM) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202509:40 | Delta Air Lines 2269 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Jackson (JAC) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202509:35 | Delta Air Lines 68 | Taipei (TPE) Seattle (SEA) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202509:25 | Delta Air Lines 3801 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Kalispell (FCA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202508:49 | Delta Air Lines 3736 | Seattle (SEA) San Jose (SJC) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202508:30 | Delta Air Lines 734 | Detroit (DTW) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202508:15 | Delta Air Lines 7477 | Hanoi (HAN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202507:25 | Delta Air Lines 7574 | Nairobi (NBO) Lusaka (LUN) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202507:10 | Delta Air Lines 354 | Raleigh (RDU) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202521:40 | Delta Air Lines 7237 | Calgary (YYC) Kelowna (YLW) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202521:35 | Delta Air Lines 3855 | Seattle (SEA) Eugene (EUG) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202520:45 | Delta Air Lines 7059 | Kelowna (YLW) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202520:45 | Delta Air Lines 2499 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202520:15 | Delta Air Lines 7220 | Kelowna (YLW) Calgary (YYC) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202519:45 | Delta Air Lines 7919 | Seoul (ICN) Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202519:10 | Delta Air Lines 688 | New York (JFK) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202519:05 | Delta Air Lines 7061 | Vancouver (YVR) Kelowna (YLW) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:45 | Delta Air Lines 7032 | Calgary (YYC) Fort Mcmurray (YMM) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:45 | Delta Air Lines 7925 | Seoul (ICN) Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:45 | Delta Air Lines 6929 | Calgary (YYC) Fort Mcmurray (YMM) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:40 | Delta Air Lines 7821 | Seoul (ICN) Singapore (SIN) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:25 | Delta Air Lines 7541 | London (LHR) Nairobi (NBO) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:25 | Delta Air Lines 7879 | Seoul (ICN) Busan (PUS) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:25 | Delta Air Lines 7924 | Seoul (ICN) Chiang Mai (CNX) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:10 | Delta Air Lines 28 | New York (JFK) Nice (NCE) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:05 | Delta Air Lines 7852 | Seoul (ICN) Bangkok (BKK) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:50 | Delta Air Lines 7929 | Seoul (ICN) Phuket (HKT) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:50 | Delta Air Lines 5982 | New York (IAD) London (LHR) | cancelled | Refunds |
06.05.202517:40 | Delta Air Lines 3720 | Seattle (SEA) San Francisco (SFO) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:10 | Delta Air Lines 7889 | Seoul (ICN) Busan (PUS) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:00 | Delta Air Lines 7105 | Vancouver (YVR) Kelowna (YLW) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:20 | Delta Air Lines 1935 | Dallas (DFW) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:20 | Delta Air Lines 7911 | Seoul (ICN) Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202516:00 | Delta Air Lines 8819 | Minneapolis (MSP) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:10 | Delta Air Lines 6939 | Kelowna (YLW) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:05 | Delta Air Lines 2127 | Las Vegas (LAS) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:00 | Delta Air Lines 8987 | Mexico City (MEX) Manzanillo (ZLO) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202514:10 | Delta Air Lines 9692 | Stuttgart (STR) Amsterdam (AMS) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202513:55 | Delta Air Lines 3802 | Portland (PDX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202510:25 | Delta Air Lines 8401 | Paris (CDG) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202523:00 | Delta Air Lines 9970 | Seattle (SEA) Atlanta (ATL) | cancelled | Refunds |
05.05.202522:20 | Delta Air Lines 6533 | Shanghai (PVG) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202521:45 | Delta Air Lines 6444 | Shanghai (PVG) (PKX) | delayed | Refunds |
