Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. There is a regulation called EU 261 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 clarify what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can assist you. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 Now let’s focus on the particulars of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will learn about your rights to compensation and what advantages you can expect in case of a flight disruption. Right to Compensation The European Union regulation states that if you are covered by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers disrupts your flight. It’s important to note, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond 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 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 has a right to refuse compensation if they decide to offer you an alternative flight. Though 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 offered by the airline but reached your final destination later than originally scheduled, 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 caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your plans. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts a minimum of three hours. Regarding the possible compensation amount that passengers could be entitled to, there are two important things to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. See 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 situations when a passenger’s flight is either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger is entitled to more significant rights. You have two options to select 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 food, 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 obliged to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation between the airport and the hotel. Upgrading and Downgrading In some instances, it happens the airline may either upgrade or downgrade 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 is obligated to reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation here is based 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 inside the EU; besides, these regulations 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 understand that in situations in which 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 situations are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation occurs. Therefore, the airline is not required 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 pay 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 prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is required to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. It also covers 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, Southwest Airlines 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 Southwest Airlines Strike Compensation Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To get compensated for this inconvenience, follow these steps: Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced. 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 make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.