One of the most common factors behind flight interruptions is flight strikes, which can be organized by airline workers, an airport itself, or an airline. As a passenger, you should be aware of the EU 261 regulation, according to which you could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 Euros.
Learn more to find out how to obtain compensation and under what circumstances.
Your Passenger Rights
The good news is that any passenger is protected by the EU 261 regulation. The EU 261/2004 is a European Union law that sets the rules for assistance and compensation for travelers in cases of flight delays and cancellations. Now, let’s take a closer look at passenger rights, according to EU 261/2004:
- The airline needs to provide travelers with information about their rights.
- In case of flight cancellation, a passenger is entitled to select one of the following options: either a ticket refund or rerouting to the final destination under similar conditions;
- Passengers can expect to receive meals and drinks; they are also entitled to have two free phone calls, e-mails, or faxes.
- If you choose an alternative flight, and it involves an overnight stay, the airline is required to provide hotel accommodation, as well as transportation between the airport and the hotel.
- Compensation between 250 to 600 euros per passenger
When You Are Entitled to SmartLynx Airlines Strike Compensation
Frequently, SmartLynx Airlines strikes involve their staff. These could be flight attendants, pilots, engineers, or other essential employees. As you now know, you have the right to claim compensation for airline strikes, if your trip was disrupted. The compensation will then cover the inconvenience you experienced because of the strike.
It is also essential to understand what “extraordinary circumstances” are. These are events outside of the airline’s control. If a strike is considered one of these circumstances, the airline is not obliged to provide compensation. It is important to note if a staff strike happens, the airline could have potentially foreseen and handled such incidents, therefore these situations are within the airline’s control. That is when flight disruptions are made by the airline’s own employees, these are not cases of extraordinary circumstances. Consequently, passengers have a right to claim flight compensation.
However, you should understand that each incident is unique, meaning that every flight disruption caused by a strike must be carefully analyzed to determine whether the airline will pay compensation.
SmartLynx Airlines Strike Compensation
Before seeking compensation for an airline strike, you should be aware of the criteria and the amount of compensation you could be entitled to.
SmartLynx Airlines Strike Flight Delay Compensation
The longer a flight is delayed, the more trouble it creates for passengers. When airline workers go on strike, it can disrupt passengers’ plans and make them arrive at their final destination much later than expected. It is important to understand that if your flight is delayed for over 3 hours due to a strike, you are entitled to compensation from the airline for the inconvenience caused.
When considering the potential sum of compensation, passengers should take two critical facts into account: the flight’s distance and the delay length they experience. It’s essential to understand these details, as only that is how you can be calm regarding the fair flight delay compensation you are entitled to. In the following, you can find a table with the amounts of compensation you can get.
| 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 |
SmartLynx Airlines Strike Flight Cancellation Compensation
Sometimes, it also happens that airline strikes result in flight cancellation. According to EU Regulation 261, you can claim compensation of up to 600 Euros. It’s important to know that the regulation also states that you are entitled to compensation in the case when the airline informed you about the cancellation less than 14 days before your travel.
However, there are always some exceptions to the rules, and here is the case. The airline has a right to avoid paying compensation if it provides the passenger an alternative flight. This flight must meet the conditions listed below:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Importantly, if you used an alternative flight but your final arrival time at your destination was still delayed, you are entitled to claim compensation.
The amount of the compensation fully depends on the flight distance and the time of delay in arriving at the final destination. Check the table below for additional information:
| 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 |
Which SmartLynx Airlines Flights Are Covered by EU261?
The EU261 regulation covers all flights departing from airports in the EU, regardless of the airline, as well as flights arriving in the EU from non-EU countries if they are operated by EU airlines. It also applies to flights to/from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway.
The following table shows which SmartLynx Airlines flights are protected by EU 261/2004:
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing the EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ✅ Covered |
How to Claim SmartLynx Airlines Strike Compensation
If you have encountered flight delays or cancellations at least once, you understand how irritating it can be.
Passengers who encounter any of these situations on SmartLynx Airlines flights have a right to claim compensation, according to European Union regulations. Follow these steps to claim compensation:
- Fill in our 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 manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.