Flight cancellations or delays caused by an airline strike can seriously disrupt travel plans. However, in many cases, passengers are protected by EU261 regulation. This regulation outlines the rules for assistance and compensation to passengers during airline strikes. In this article, we will look at passenger rights and the process of claiming compensation from the airline.
When Are You Entitled to WestJet Strike Compensation?
European Union Regulation 261/2004 protects travelers affected by airline strikes. This law obliges the airline to issue compensation in case of a standard crew strike and a “wildcat” strike. These labor disputes are considered part of operational issues, consequently, the airline is responsible for them.
It is crucial to understand that the situation with compensation is complex. Certain strikes may be classified as the “extraordinary circumstances” exception. These include strikes by baggage handlers, fire crews, ground personnel, etc. When faced with disruptions due to these ground staff, the chances of obtaining compensation may be significantly reduced. It is essential to identify exactly which staff 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 notify passengers 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 passengers in the amount of up to 600 euros.
It is essential 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 may 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 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 |
Flight Delay Compensation
According to the EU261 regulation, if your flight is delayed and you arrive at your final destination more than three hours later than scheduled, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger. It’s crucial to understand that the duration of the delay depends solely on when you arrive at your final destination, not on how late the plane took off.
The amount of compensation is based on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay:
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 |
Requirements for WestJet Strike Compensation
When a flight disruption occurs, passengers may be eligible for compensation, but certain requirements must be met. It is important to understand these requirements to effectively manage the compensation process:
- Your flight must be covered by the EU261 regulation. This applies to all flights departing from EU airports, regardless of the airline. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU, but only when operated by an EU-based airline.
- A flight delay or cancellation has significantly disrupted your travel plans. This means your flight was delayed by three hours or more at the final destination, or it was cancelled with less than fourteen days’ notice before the scheduled departure.
- You must have a confirmed reservation and be prepared to travel. This includes having a confirmed booking and all necessary travel documents ready (passport, visas).
- You need to arrive at the airport on time. Check-in by the specified time by the airline. If no specific time is provided, arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure to stay eligible for compensation.
Should you believe you meet these requirements following a WestJet strike, it’s advisable to document your experience thoroughly and get in touch directly with the airline about your compensation claim. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is the first step towards potentially receiving compensation for an airline strike.
How to Claim WestJet Strike Compensation
Dealing with delayed or cancelled flights due to strikes is always frustrating. It can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
By following these steps, you will get the compensation you are entitled to under EU law.
Other Rights in Case of a Flight Strike
In addition to compensation, passengers need to 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 provide some comfort to passengers during delays or cancellations. Remember 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 required to provide affected passengers with certain services to alleviate discomfort. Some of the basic services are free beverages and meals. Additionally, the affected passengers have a right to make 2 calls and send faxes, or e-mails for free.
Rebooking or Refunds
If your flight is cancelled or delayed by 5+ hours, you can request a full refund or an alternative flight to your final destination. These options offer some flexibility, which is great because you can choose what works best for you.
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 | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
---|---|---|---|---|
07.05.202522:49 | WestJet 6694 | Atlanta (ATL) Mobile (MOB) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202519:50 | WestJet 8622 | Seattle (SEA) Los Angeles (SMF) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202516:20 | WestJet 6699 | Memphis (MEM) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202515:25 | WestJet 6410 | Seattle (SEA) Pasco (PSC) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202511:25 | WestJet 8559 | Portland (PDX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202511:15 | WestJet 5535 | San Diego (SAN) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202510:25 | WestJet 5622 | Austin (AUS) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202510:23 | WestJet 8053 | Memphis (MEM) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202509:40 | WestJet 7238 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Jackson (JAC) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202500:45 | WestJet 52 | (YYT) London (LGW) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202521:40 | WestJet 485 | Calgary (YYC) Kelowna (YLW) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202521:35 | WestJet 5594 | Seattle (SEA) Eugene (EUG) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202520:45 | WestJet 3331 | Kelowna (YLW) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202520:15 | WestJet 334 | Kelowna (YLW) Calgary (YYC) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202519:50 | WestJet 6982 | Seattle (SEA) San Jose (SJC) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202519:45 | WestJet 7592 | Vancouver (YVR) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202519:40 | WestJet 3110 | Victoria (YYJ) Kelowna (YLW) | cancelled | Refunds |
06.05.202519:05 | WestJet 3328 | Vancouver (YVR) Kelowna (YLW) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:45 | WestJet 3139 | Calgary (YYC) Fort Mcmurray (YMM) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:45 | WestJet 6039 | Seoul (ICN) Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202518:40 | WestJet 6031 | Seoul (ICN) Singapore (SIN) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:00 | WestJet 3579 | Lethbridge (YQL) Calgary (YYC) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202517:00 | WestJet 3324 | Vancouver (YVR) Kelowna (YLW) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:40 | WestJet 3580 | Calgary (YYC) Lethbridge (YQL) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:35 | WestJet 3483 | Medicine Hat (YXH) Calgary (YYC) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:25 | WestJet 6410 | Seattle (SEA) Pasco (PSC) | delayed | Refunds |
06.05.202515:10 | WestJet 3327 | Kelowna (YLW) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202521:35 | WestJet 5540 | Seattle (SEA) Spokane (GEG) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202520:00 | WestJet 8694 | Boise (BOI) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:59 | WestJet 8241 | Seattle (SEA) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:50 | WestJet 7458 | Portland (PDX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:45 | WestJet 7592 | Vancouver (YVR) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202519:35 | WestJet 3616 | Calgary (YYC) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202517:51 | WestJet 8694 | Seattle (SEA) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:50 | WestJet 7421 | Detroit (DTW) (ORD) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:40 | WestJet 3580 | Calgary (YYC) Lethbridge (YQL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202515:14 | WestJet 7071 | Detroit (DTW) New York (IAD) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:35 | WestJet 5673 | Detroit (DTW) Tampa (TPA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:10 | WestJet 5132 | Paris (CDG) Dublin (DUB) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:07 | WestJet 7889 | Pittsburgh (PIT) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:05 | WestJet 3484 | Calgary (YYC) Medicine Hat (YXH) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202514:04 | WestJet 8384 | Detroit (DTW) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:59 | WestJet 5457 | Nashville (BNA) Salt Lake City (SLC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:49 | WestJet 5408 | Nashville (BNA) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:40 | WestJet 5032 | Paris (CDG) Berlin (BER) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:30 | WestJet 6452 | Seattle (SEA) Boise (BOI) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:14 | WestJet 7152 | Charlotte (CLT) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:10 | WestJet 3243 | Brandon (YBR) Calgary (YYC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:00 | WestJet 6741 | Charleston (CHS) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202513:00 | WestJet 7594 | Portland (PWM) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:50 | WestJet 7906 | New York (LGA) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:42 | WestJet 7054 | Detroit (DTW) Grand Rapids (GRR) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:30 | WestJet 5410 | Albany (ALB) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:30 | WestJet 7101 | Detroit (DTW) Phoenix (PHX) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202512:15 | WestJet 7139 | Detroit (DTW) Traverse City (TVC) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202511:45 | WestJet 8013 | San Jose (SJC) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202511:18 | WestJet 8624 | Santa Ana (SNA) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:30 | WestJet 8377 | (ORD) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:29 | WestJet 7135 | Covington (CVG) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:25 | WestJet 6776 | Cleveland (CLE) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:24 | WestJet 7301 | Detroit (DTW) Baltimore (BWI) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:20 | WestJet 7175 | Detroit (DTW) Norfolk (ORF) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:16 | WestJet 8509 | Detroit (DTW) Tampa (TPA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:12 | WestJet 7230 | Detroit (DTW) (DCA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202510:00 | WestJet 6880 | Detroit (DTW) New York (IAD) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:47 | WestJet 5565 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:35 | WestJet 3242 | Calgary (YYC) Brandon (YBR) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:35 | WestJet 6772 | Atlanta (ATL) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:35 | WestJet 5676 | Newark (EWR) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:23 | WestJet 5459 | Nashville (BNA) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:05 | WestJet 5637 | Boston (BOS) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202509:00 | WestJet 5698 | New York (LGA) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:35 | WestJet 8072 | Boston (BOS) (DCA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:15 | WestJet 7241 | New York (JFK) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:04 | WestJet 8017 | Milwaukee (MKE) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202507:00 | WestJet 6868 | Appleton (ATW) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202506:15 | WestJet 6490 | Spokane (GEG) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202506:15 | WestJet 6656 | Birmingham (BHM) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202506:15 | WestJet 5113 | Toronto (YYZ) Cancun (CUN) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202506:05 | WestJet 7724 | Las Vegas (LAS) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202506:02 | WestJet 8126 | Raleigh (RDU) Minneapolis (MSP) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202506:00 | WestJet 5593 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Detroit (DTW) | delayed | Refunds |
05.05.202505:20 | WestJet 8067 | Raleigh (RDU) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202522:55 | WestJet 8654 | Seattle (SEA) Pasco (PSC) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202522:30 | WestJet 6694 | Atlanta (ATL) Mobile (MOB) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202521:35 | WestJet 8455 | Seattle (SEA) Spokane (GEG) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202520:00 | WestJet 8694 | Boise (BOI) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202518:25 | WestJet 6497 | San Jose (SJC) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202518:20 | WestJet 5910 | Tokyo (NRT) Hong Kong (HKG) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202518:00 | WestJet 5922 | Tokyo (NRT) Manila (MNL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202517:35 | WestJet 7919 | Seattle (SEA) Spokane (GEG) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202517:20 | WestJet 7003 | Phoenix (PHX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202515:40 | WestJet 3580 | Calgary (YYC) Lethbridge (YQL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202515:35 | WestJet 5119 | Paris (CDG) Berlin (BER) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202514:05 | WestJet 3484 | Calgary (YYC) Medicine Hat (YXH) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202514:03 | WestJet 6653 | Baton Rouge (BTR) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202514:03 | WestJet 6619 | Baton Rouge (BTR) Atlanta (ATL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202513:35 | WestJet 8501 | Seattle (SEA) Vancouver (YVR) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202513:05 | WestJet 5128 | Paris (CDG) Zurich (BSL) | delayed | Refunds |
04.05.202511:49 | WestJet 8824 | Atlanta (ATL) Mobile (MOB) | delayed | Refunds |