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 are required to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike. In this article, we will clarify what EU261 is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s focus on the details of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will learn about your entitlement to 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 covered by EU 261, you have a right to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. Notably, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control.
United Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
In line with EU Regulation 261, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you about the cancellation within two weeks before your planned departure date.
Yet, 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 must 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 proposed by the airline but arrived at the final destination later than originally scheduled, 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. See the table 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 |
United Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your itinerary. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts at least three hours.
Regarding the potential compensation amount that passengers can expect, there are two crucial factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. See the table provided 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 delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, 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 choose the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
Besides flight compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight due to an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. So, the airline is required to provide passengers with food, beverages, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline has to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Occasionally it happens the airline might either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In these situations, you should be aware of specific rules and your rights:
In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you won’t have to pay extra for this advantage.
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 rules apply to all flights inside the EU; additionally, 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 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 may considerably affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such events are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation happens. Therefore, 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 doesn’t 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 they have done everything possible to prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is obliged to provide 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, United Airlines is not 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 United Airlines Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can not only ruin your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide flight details including 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 know the EU laws well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee 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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06.12.202520:20 | United Airlines 7609 | Beijing (PEK) Xiamen (XMN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202519:20 | United Airlines 7395 | Hobart (HBA) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202518:10 | United Airlines 8007 | Tokyo (HND) Hiroshima (HIJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202517:05 | United Airlines 7919 | Tokyo (HND) Iwakuni (IWK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:45 | United Airlines 7442 | Perth (PER) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:30 | United Airlines 7922 | Tokyo (HND) Okinawa (OKA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:25 | United Airlines 6511 | Riyadh (RUH) Dubai (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:55 | United Airlines 6739 | Wellington (WLG) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:55 | United Airlines 6797 | Wellington (WLG) Sydney (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:35 | United Airlines 8868 | Munich (MUC) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:10 | United Airlines 7404 | Brisbane (BNE) Canberra (CBR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:05 | United Airlines 6740 | Queenstown (ZQN) Auckland (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:40 | United Airlines 7690 | Singapore (SIN) Phnom Penh (SAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:20 | United Airlines 8004 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202513:45 | United Airlines 9759 | London (LHR) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202513:05 | United Airlines 9750 | Zurich (ZRH) Venice (VCE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:45 | United Airlines 6798 | Christchurch (CHC) Queenstown (ZQN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:40 | United Airlines 6790 | Christchurch (CHC) Dunedin (DUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:30 | United Airlines 7410 | Melbourne (MEL) Canberra (CBR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:05 | United Airlines 9757 | London (LHR) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202511:50 | United Airlines 7482 | Melbourne (MEL) Ayers Rock (AYQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202511:15 | United Airlines 8766 | Munich (MUC) Krakow (KRK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:50 | United Airlines 9184 | Frankfurt (FRA) Bucharest (OTP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:30 | United Airlines 6480 | Johannesburg (JNB) East London (ELS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:30 | United Airlines 6492 | Johannesburg (JNB) Bulawayo (BUQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:15 | United Airlines 622 | Philadelphia (PHL) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:55 | United Airlines 9843 | Vienna (VIE) Bucharest (OTP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:50 | United Airlines 9791 | Amsterdam (AMS) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:50 | United Airlines 9030 | Frankfurt (FRA) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:50 | United Airlines 9808 | Zurich (ZRH) Miami (MIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:45 | United Airlines 9773 | Dusseldorf (DUS) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:40 | United Airlines 9795 | Budapest (BUD) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:15 | United Airlines 9756 | Zurich (ZRH) Athens (ATH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:10 | United Airlines 9737 | Munich (MUC) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:10 | United Airlines 9746 | Zurich (ZRH) Geneva (GVA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:01 | United Airlines 7306 | Seoul (ICN) Hong Kong (HKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:00 | United Airlines 4262 | New York (IAD) Huntsville (HSV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:54 | United Airlines 542 | Newark (EWR) Belize City (BZE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:45 | United Airlines 7277 | Zagreb (ZAG) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:20 | United Airlines 7754 | Rome (FCO) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:20 | United Airlines 4294 | New York (IAD) Philadelphia (PHL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:15 | United Airlines 7220 | Addis Ababa (ADD) Zanzibar (ZNZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:00 | United Airlines 2383 | Philadelphia (PHL) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:55 | United Airlines 8788 | Frankfurt (FRA) Krakow (KRK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:50 | United Airlines 8191 | Philadelphia (PHL) Toronto (YYZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:40 | United Airlines 1859 | Minneapolis (MSP) Chicago (IAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:30 | United Airlines 165 | Agana (GUM) Taipei (TPE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:30 | United Airlines 9626 | Hamburg (HAM) London (LHR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:30 | United Airlines 9918 | Warsaw (WAW) Brussels (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:15 | United Airlines 1048 | Philadelphia (PHL) San Francisco (SFO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:10 | United Airlines 6669 | Bogota (BOG) Valledupar (VUP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:05 | United Airlines 7461 | Townsville (TSV) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:05 | United Airlines 7476 | Brisbane (BNE) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202505:45 | United Airlines 8423 | Deer Lake (YDF) Montreal (YUL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202504:25 | United Airlines 7200 | Rome (FCO) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202502:05 | United Airlines 6704 | Miami (MIA) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202500:40 | United Airlines 156 | Manila (MNL) Agana (GUM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:55 | United Airlines 1004 | Chicago (IAH) Quito (UIO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:35 | United Airlines 2462 | San Francisco (SFO) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:30 | United Airlines 4950 | New York (IAD) Ithaca (ITH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:23 | United Airlines 3413 | New York (IAD) New York (LGA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:20 | United Airlines 997 | Accra (ACC) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:15 | United Airlines 4020 | New York (IAD) Cleveland (CLE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:10 | United Airlines 495 | New York (IAD) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:07 | United Airlines 4065 | New York (IAD) Indianapolis (IND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202521:40 | United Airlines 8517 | Vancouver (YVR) Victoria (YYJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202521:35 | United Airlines 5103 | Chicago (ORD) Joplin (JLN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:55 | United Airlines 8414 | Kelowna (YLW) Vancouver (YVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:40 | United Airlines 9248 | Frankfurt (FRA) Bilbao (BIO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:35 | United Airlines 7931 | Tokyo (HND) Okinawa (OKA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:30 | United Airlines 5824 | Denver (DEN) Lincoln (LNK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:30 | United Airlines 4320 | Chicago (IAH) Jackson (JAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:25 | United Airlines 8520 | Toronto (YYZ) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:20 | United Airlines 1828 | Chicago (ORD) Los Angeles (SMF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:20 | United Airlines 7609 | Beijing (PEK) Xiamen (XMN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:15 | United Airlines 7607 | Beijing (PEK) Shanghai (XIY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:10 | United Airlines 3589 | Norfolk (ORF) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:05 | United Airlines 1923 | Chicago (ORD) Cedar Rapids (CID) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:05 | United Airlines 7961 | Tokyo (KIX) Okinawa (OKA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:04 | United Airlines 2485 | Chicago (ORD) Sioux Falls (FSD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:03 | United Airlines 2627 | Chicago (ORD) Minneapolis (MSP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:00 | United Airlines 287 | Columbus (CMH) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:00 | United Airlines 8643 | Toronto (YYZ) Winnipeg (YWG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:58 | United Airlines 4284 | Greensboro (GSO) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:55 | United Airlines 4638 | Chicago (ORD) Colorado Springs (COS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:51 | United Airlines 1403 | Chicago (ORD) Indianapolis (IND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:50 | United Airlines 8525 | Toronto (YYZ) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:50 | United Airlines 2456 | Chicago (IAH) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:47 | United Airlines 630 | Chicago (ORD) Madison (MSN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:45 | United Airlines 516 | Chicago (ORD) Traverse City (TVC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:45 | United Airlines 1502 | Raleigh (RDU) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:45 | United Airlines 4937 | Wilkes-Barre (AVP) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:44 | United Airlines 3289 | Indianapolis (IND) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:44 | United Airlines 4032 | Indianapolis (IND) New York (IAD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:40 | United Airlines 3466 | Toronto (YYZ) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:37 | United Airlines 2059 | Chicago (ORD) Portland (PDX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:35 | United Airlines 5499 | Chicago (ORD) South Bend (SBN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:31 | United Airlines 6189 | Burlington (BTV) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:30 | United Airlines 4455 | Ottawa (YOW) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:27 | United Airlines 4829 | Manchester (MHT) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
