Flight cancelled due to a strike: what rights you have

Not every strike is the same. For flight cancellations due to a strike, what matters is who is striking: a strike by the airline's own staff is not always recognized as an extraordinary circumstance, whereas an external strike (e.g. air traffic controllers, airport) is more likely to be. A refund, alternative transport and care are due to you regardless.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Regardless of the reason for the strike, in the event of cancellation you are entitled to a refund or alternative transport and to care (meals, hotel if necessary) under EU Regulation 261/2004.

The additional compensation payment (250 to 600 euros) depends on whether an extraordinary circumstance existed. A strike by the airline's own staff is not always recognized as such, and then the compensation payment may still exist.

What you should do now

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1. Clarify the type of strike
Was it a strike by the airline's own staff or an external strike (air traffic controllers, airport)? That affects the compensation payment.
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2. Demand care
Demand meals and, if necessary, a hotel as well as a refund or alternative transport: you are always entitled to this.
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3. Secure additional costs
Document and collect receipts for additional costs (hotel, meals, replacement flight).
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4. Check the compensation
Demand the compensation payment; if the airline invokes a 'strike', check whether it affected its own staff.

How to spot the scam

The airline refuses every service across the board by pointing to a 'strike'.
Care (meals, hotel) is not offered.
It is not disclosed exactly who went on strike.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get compensation in the event of a strike?

A refund, alternative transport and care are always due to you. The additional compensation payment (250 to 600 euros) depends on whether an extraordinary circumstance existed. A strike by the airline's own staff is not always recognized as an extraordinary circumstance.

What is the difference between an internal and an external strike?

A strike by the airline's own staff lies within its sphere and is not automatically recognized as an extraordinary circumstance. An external strike (air traffic controllers, airport staff) is more likely to count as extraordinary. That affects the compensation payment.

What care am I entitled to?

During a long wait, meals and drinks, if needed a hotel stay including transfer, and a means of communication, regardless of the reason for the strike. Collect receipts for additional costs in order to get them refunded.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.