Flight delays or cancellations due to an airline strike can seriously disrupt travel plans. Fortunately, in many cases, passengers are protected by EU261/2004 regulation. This regulation establishes the rules for compensation and assistance for travelers in cases of airline strikes. In this article, we will look at passenger rights and the steps to seek compensation from the airline. When Are You Entitled to Vietnam Airlines Strike Compensation? EU Regulation 261/2004 protects passengers affected by airline strikes. This law obliges the airline to issue compensation in the event of a standard crew strike and a “wildcat” strike. These labor disputes are considered part of operational issues, as a result, the airline is responsible for them. It is essential to understand that the situation with compensation is complex. Certain strikes may qualify for the “extraordinary circumstances” exception. These include strikes by cargo handlers, fire crews, ground personnel, etc. In the event of disruptions caused by these ground staff, the chances of receiving compensation may be significantly reduced. It is essential to determine exactly which crew is involved in the strike. This directly influences your eligibility for compensation. Flight Cancellation Compensation In the event of flight cancellation due to a strike, the airline must inform travelers of the cancellation at least 14 days before the scheduled departure. If the airline fails to notify you within the specified period, it is obliged to pay compensation to travelers in the amount of up to 600 euros. It is crucial to note that the airline is not obligated to issue compensation by providing you with an alternative flight to your final destination. However, if the alternative flight results in a later arrival at the final destination, passengers could be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation is based on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight, as shown in the table: 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 Under the EU261/2004 regulation, if your flight is delayed and you reach your final destination more than 3 hours later than scheduled, you are eligible for compensation of up to €600 per passenger. It is important to note that the duration of the delay depends solely on when you reach your final destination, not on how late the plane took off. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay: 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 Requirements for Vietnam Airlines Strike Compensation When an airline strike occurs, passengers could be entitled to compensation, but specific criteria must be met. It is crucial to understand these criteria to properly navigate the compensation process: Your flight must be covered by the EU261/2004 regulation. This covers all flights departing from EU airports, regardless of the airline. It also covers flights arriving in the EU, but only when operated by an EU-based airline. A flight cancellation or delay has significantly disrupted your travel plans. This means your flight has been delayed by 3 hours or more at the final destination, or it was cancelled with fewer than fourteen days’ notice before the scheduled departure. You must have a valid reservation and be ready to travel. This includes having a valid booking and all necessary travel documents ready (passport, visas). You need to get to the airport on time. Complete check-in by the specified time by your airline. If no specific time is provided, arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure to stay eligible for compensation. In case you believe you meet these conditions following a Vietnam Airlines strike, it’s advisable to document your experience thoroughly and communicate directly with the airline about your compensation claim. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is the first step towards potentially receiving compensation for an airline strike. How to Claim Vietnam Airlines 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 get compensated for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps: Fill in this 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 handle the rest. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case. Following these steps, you’ll secure the compensation you are entitled to under EU law. Other Rights in Case of a Flight Strike In addition to compensation, passengers should know about certain services they can expect to receive from the airline in the event of a flight disruption. These services aim to reduce inconveniences and give some comfort to passengers during delays or cancellations. Keep in mind that the services we are describing below fall under the airline company’s duty to care for every passenger. Right to Care If the flight delay is two hours or more, the airline is obligated to provide affected passengers with certain services to alleviate discomfort. Some of the basic services are free beverages and meals. In addition to this, the affected passengers have a right to make two phone calls and send faxes, or emails for free. Rebooking or Refunds If your flight gets cancelled or delayed by 5+ hours, you are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight to your final destination. These solutions have some flexibility, which is great because you can choose what works best for you.