Compensation in the event of a cabin crew strike

For a company to be required to pay financial compensation to its passengers in the event of delay, cancellation or denied boarding, the causes of these disruptions must not be linked to “exceptional circumstances” on which the carrier has no possibility of influencing, such as geological phenomena (earthquake, volcanic eruptions), physical (floods) or geopolitical phenomena such as civil wars…

But good news for passengers! The airline staff strike is not part of these exceptional circumstances, and does not exempt it from the payment of compensation, however, it still depends on certain criteria, in fact, this situation does not give not entitled to compensation in the following cases :

  • The PNC strike is taking place in a territory other than that of the European Union.
  • The airline has notified you of the cancellation more than 14 days before the flight departure.
  • The flight delay is not more than 3 hours.

 

The amount of compensation :

European Regulation CE No. 261/2004 provides compensation amounts which vary depending on the distance of the flight, in the event of a delayed or canceled flight, or refusal of boarding, following a cabin crew strike ( Hostesses/Stewards):

  • If the flight distance is less than 1500 km, the compensation is €250.
  • If the flight distance is between 1500 km and 3500 km, the compensation is €400.
  • If the flight distance is greater than 3500 km, the compensation is €600.

 

Airport pick-up :

Passengers who are victims of disruptions to their flights, following a cabin crew (hostesses and stewards) strike, are entitled to benefit from various services.

In fact, the airline must provide them with :

  • Meals and drinks,
  • 2 phone calls or send 2 emails for free,
  • Accommodation if the flight is postponed until the next day… and transport to get there,

And this, in case of delay :

  • From 2 hours for flights of up to 1500 km.
  • From 3 hours for flights between 1500 and 3500 km, and for intra-community flights of more than 1500 km.
  • From 4 hours for flights over 3500 km.

 

Ticket refund or rerouting :

In the event of a wait at the airport of more than 5 hours, the airline must offer a replacement flight to its passengers, or reimburse them for their tickets, if they decide to forgo their flights.

 

The claim for compensation :

Please note that from the moment it is an internal strike at the airline. European Regulation CE No. 261/2004 provides that the carrier can be held responsible for inconveniences that may affect scheduled flights, since this is not an exonerating circumstance, and must compensate its passengers.

To assert your rights, it is possible to contact the company directly, or to go through a compensation assistance company, which can win your case more quickly, with its experienced staff in the field.