Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. There is a law called EU 261 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines are required to issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to a strike. In this article, we will clarify what EU261 is and how it can help 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 discover your entitlement to compensation and what benefits you can expect in the event of a flight disruption. Right to Compensation The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are protected by EU 261, you have a right to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. Notably, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” meaning circumstances the airline cannot 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 about the cancellation within two weeks before your planned departure date. Yet, as it often happens, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight is required to 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 arrived at 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 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 due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt 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 key factors 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 cases when a passenger’s flight is either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger has more substantial rights. You have two options to select 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 compensation for a disrupted flight due to an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. Therefore, the airline must provide passengers with meals, beverages, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport to and from the hotel. Upgrading and Downgrading Occasionally it happens the airline can either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when offering 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 won’t have to pay extra for this advantage. In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation here is determined by 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 within the EU; besides, 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 be aware that in situations where the airline cannot influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute could 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 occurs. Therefore, an 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 doesn’t automatically mean that the airline will not pay compensation. According to the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove it has done everything possible to prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, they are required to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU 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, Western Global Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 Western Global Airlines Strike Compensation Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. This can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps: Complete our 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 understand the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.