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 must issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed because 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 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 states that if you are covered by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. It’s important to note, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control. Flight Cancellation Compensation Under EU Regulation 261, you may be eligible for 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. 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 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 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 duration of the delay. 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 are entitled to compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts three or more hours. Regarding the potential 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 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 substantial rights. You have two options to select from: You can refuse the cancelled or delayed 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 cancelled or delayed flight due to an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline is required to 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 transport from the airport to the hotel and back. Upgrading and Downgrading In some instances, it happens the airline may either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In such cases, 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 in this case 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; additionally, these regulations cover 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 understand that in cases in which the airline cannot control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute can significantly affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such occasions are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation happens. As a result, an airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights. Even though many cases of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this doesn’t 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 avoid a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, they are obliged to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. 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, Tradewind Aviation isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This applies even to 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 Tradewind Aviation Strike Compensation Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. It can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, take the following actions: Fill in our 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 manage the process. We understand the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.