Has your flight been delayed or cancelled due to an air traffic controller strike? Find out how to obtain flight compensation.
While going on vacation is always eagerly awaited, disappointments are much less pleasant. Is your flight delayed or cancelled due to an air traffic controller strike? Strikes are still one of the main reasons for flight delays and cancellations in France. By law, you are entitled to compensation. Find out more about your rights and how to obtain flight compensation.
In the event of a strike: do I have to go to the airport?
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Yes, it is still necessary to present yourself at check-in, especially if the strike is of short duration. In fact, it’s worth pointing out that if the airline makes another flight available to you and you’re not aware of it, you lose all right to complain. Of course, if the wait is long during a strike, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
What does the law say about flight compensation after a strike?
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Strikes by airline staff involve pilots, flight attendants, sales staff and handlers. In such cases, you may be entitled to compensation.
However, certain cases are considered extraordinary under European regulations. For example, strikes by air traffic controllers, security personnel or customs officers would not necessarily hold the airline responsible. The same applies to weather-related problems, such as lightning strikes or gusts of wind.
General compensation for air strikes
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You should be aware that, in general, compensation must be paid in the event of a strike. If a flight is cancelled due to a strike for which the airline is not responsible, you cannot claim compensation. If you are notified at least two weeks before departure, you cannot claim compensation.
So if a staff strike is announced five days before departure, every passenger can claim compensation for his or her flight. On the other hand, if the staff launch their strike sixteen days before your departure, it’s a different story. You cannot claim flight compensation. In this case, the airline is not held responsible. In fact, the law deems that the passenger was able to make arrangements. In fact, the strike began more than two weeks before the flight date.
Possible compensation for air traffic controllers’ strike
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When air traffic controllers go on strike, one of their duties is to provide a minimum service. However, many flights are then modified or cancelled. No compensation is provided for this exceptional circumstance.
However, depending on the airline, flight compensation may be possible. This is often the case for delays of more than three hours, a missed stopover or a cancelled flight. So you can still try to get compensation. Even if the air traffic controllers’ strike is one of the main reasons for refusal, you can still receive compensation.
Flight compensation terms and conditions
For this flight compensation to be valid, your flight must take off from one of the European airports. If not, the site must be operated by a European airline. Clearly, you need to land in Europe to claim your flight.
How long does it take to claim compensation?
You should know that flight compensation remains valid, regardless of the price of the ticket. You have five years to claim this right, whether your flight was for business or pleasure.
Possible compensation after the strike
Claims for flight compensation are wide-ranging. If the airline has not yet declared a strike, but your flight is cancelled, you have the same rights. The airline must pay you compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight.
In this way, you can also claim flight compensation if the delay occurs after the strike. Indeed, if the delay occurs when flights are gradually resumed, you are entitled to compensation. Generally speaking, flight compensation is also possible when you are denied boarding after a strike.
The nature of the flight delay
To obtain compensation for your flight, ask the airline about the nature of the delay. European regulations provide for compensation ranging from €250 to €600. This sum is payable unless the airline can demonstrate that measures have been taken to avoid disruption.
If the delay is due to a strike by air traffic controllers, this compensation may not be valid. In fact, this is one of the exceptional cases often excluded from compensation. However, this decision is made by each airline.
Even if you have confirmation that the industrial action by the controllers is still the cause of your delay, gather all the information you need to claim compensation.
Flight compensation based on distance
Has your flight just been delayed or cancelled due to a staff strike? As a general rule, the amount of compensation you can claim for your flight depends on the distance flown.
Please note: an air traffic controllers’ strike may result in the refusal of a flight compensation agreement. In fact, this strike is one of the exceptional events that are generally excluded from the scheme. However, exceptions are made for long delays.
Well-defined amounts
For delays, cancellations or denied boarding due to a staff strike, you can claim :
- 250 for a flight of up to 1,500 km. For example, for a flight from Lyon to Marseille;
- 400 for a flight of up to 3,500 km. For example, a flight from Toulouse to Athens;
- 600 for longer distances, from 3500 km upwards. If your flight covers a long distance, you can claim this amount.
The company’s duties in the event of delay or cancellation
The airline must assist its passengers in the event of cancelled or missed flights. This means accompanying passengers throughout their waiting time. In general, it must provide good meals for passengers to eat on the spot. The airline must make it easier for passengers to catch another flight, or offer them hotel accommodation if necessary.
Strike by air traffic controllers: what to do for flight compensation?
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When it comes to flight compensation, make the most of your chances.
Keep proof of purchase
For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep all proof of purchases made during the air traffic controllers’ strike. For example, receipts for meals, drinks, snacks or any extra nights spent at the airport should be kept.
These proofs can be included in your compensation file, in addition to the cost of the tickets. So, of course, keep your vouchers and proof of purchase of airline tickets.
How can I get compensation?
If your flight has been changed due to controller strikes, send a letter of compensation to the carrier. The letter must be sent by registered mail, with acknowledgement of receipt.
If you find the response insufficient, or if the company refuses to compensate you, you can appeal. Obviously, you’ll have to turn to the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC ). This procedure should concern denied boarding, cancellations or long delays. For flight compensation, you can also take your case to court.
Now you’re prepared for the unexpected. But let’s pray it doesn’t!