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 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 help you. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 Now let’s explore the particulars 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 EU 261, you have a right to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. Notably, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” meaning circumstances the airline cannot control. Flight Cancellation Compensation In line with EU Regulation 261, you can receive compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you about the cancellation within 14 days before your scheduled travel date. Yet, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they decide to offer you an alternative flight. However, 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 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 delay time. Check 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 due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your plans. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts a minimum of three hours. Concerning the possible compensation amount that passengers may receive, there are two key factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check 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 situations when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger is entitled to 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 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. If your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport from the airport to the hotel and back. Upgrading and Downgrading Occasionally it occurs the airline might either downgrade or upgrade 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 aren’t required to pay extra for this benefit. In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline is obligated to reimburse you. Again, 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 regulations apply to all flights inside the EU; besides, these rules 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 be aware that in situations when 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 significantly affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such events are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation happens. As a result, an airline is not obligated 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. 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 covers all flights departing from EU airports. This regulation also extends 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, Piedmont Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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 Piedmont Airlines Strike Compensation Dealing with delayed or cancelled flights due to strikes is always frustrating. It can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To get compensated for this inconvenience, proceed with 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 know the EU laws well and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.