Air France strike compensation in the EU.
Are you eligible to it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?
If an Air France staff strike causes your flight to be delayed or cancelled, you might be eligible to receive flight compensation from the airline. This is true for all Air France qualifying flights and passengers, and includes the possibility of receiving assistance from the airline. You can either apply for compensation on your own or seek the help of a flight compensation company.
1. Air France Strike Compensation
You may be entitled to Air France strike compensation.
It must be either a flight delay or flight cancellation:
- Flight delay: If your flight experiences a delay of at least 3 hours, measured from the moment the aircraft doors are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
- Last-Minute flight cancellation: If your flight is cancelled 14 days or less before the scheduled departure date, it is considered a last-minute cancellation. In such cases, you could be eligible for Air France flight cancellation compensation. Also you are entitled to a cancellation refund.
If you believe you meet the criteria for either flight delay or flight cancellation compensation, it is advisable to reach out to Air France to seek the compensation you may be entitled to.
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to this delay/cancellation?
Don’t worry. Air France will assist you by booking another connecting flight at no additional cost. They understand the inconvenience caused and aim to ensure you reach your destination smoothly.
To determine if you are eligible for compensation, refer to our comprehensive guide on Air France missed connection compensation. The principles for compensation are similar to those for flight delays. Assess the time difference between your actual arrival and the originally scheduled arrival. If it’s 3 or more hours, and the delay is due to the airline’s fault, you can get compensation.
These rules apply to all Air France flights, whether they are within Europe, departing from Europe, or arriving in Europe.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances
Please note that airline staff strikes do not fall under extraordinary circumstances.
Even though airlines may argue otherwise, strikes by airline staff, aircraft technical problems, and staff shortages do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
Despite this, many airlines still claim that such events are extraordinary circumstances. Because if a flight is delayed or cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, it relieves the airline of the obligation to pay flight compensation to its passengers. That’s why airlines use such excuses to avoid paying compensation (and avoiding financial losses).
But it’s against the law. It’s very important to keep this in mind and verify any information provided by your airline. When it comes to flight compensations and refunds, it’s advisable to double-check everything.
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever you find yourself in a situation where your travel plans are disrupted and you are forced to wait at the airport longer than anticipated, it’s important to be aware of your rights regarding the provision of care (“right to care from the airline“).
In the event of a flight delay or last-minute cancellation that leaves you stranded at the airport, specific services must be provided to you at no cost.
For instance:
- If your wait time is 3 or more hours, you may be entitled to receive a complimentary meal and beverage;
- If the delay extends into the next morning, Air France may also be obligated to offer you free accommodation and airport transfers.
Air France is required to offer passengers meals and drinks based on the waiting time.
In the event that you are not offered the required assistance, it is recommended that you approach Air France staff at the airport to seek the support you are entitled to. Your comfort and well-being during the waiting period are important, and understanding your rights will empower you to assert them if necessary.
2. How to Claim Air France Strike Compensation?
Air France strike compensation is a EU flight compensation for flight delay or cancellation.
To claim strike compensation, you have two options available:
- Independent claim. If you prefer to handle the compensation process on your own, you can directly contact Air France through their website. Keep in mind that this approach may require some time and effort on your part, as it could take several months to reach a resolution. You may also need to engage in negotiations with the airline to secure a satisfactory outcome.
- Claim with a flight compensation company. Alternatively, you can choose to work with a flight compensation company that specializes in handling such claims. This option offers a hassle-free approach, as the company will manage the entire process on your behalf. All you need to do is complete the compensation claim form, and they will handle the rest. If you prefer this route, our partners also provides such services. Details below.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more:
- How to Claim Air France Compensation?
- Your Air France Compensation Claim Is Rejected. What’s Next?
- Your Air France Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
In general, the process of claiming compensation can take a minimum of 3 months.
It’s important to note that if the airline is uncooperative, and legal action becomes necessary, the timeline for receiving compensation can extend to at least double that duration.
Due to the nature of the process, delays should be anticipated when pursuing compensation.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
The compensation amounts are fixed and range from €250 to €600.
These amounts are regulated by the EU regulations.
Here is how you can calculate the amount of your Air France compensation.
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
3.1 Air France Voucher Refund or Cash?
Do you have the option to choose between an Air France voucher and monetary compensation?
Airlines may offer vouchers instead of compensation, as it is a more cost-effective option.
Please note that you can refuse the voucher and request a cash or bank transfer compensation instead. It is important to remember that as per law airlines must provide compensation in cash or bank transfer, so make sure to request it in this form.
The same applies to refunds for cancellation.
Air France Strike Compensation: FAQ
My ticket was discounted/cheap. Can I still get compensation?
Yes, because the price of the ticket doesn’t matter.
You get compensated because you were inconvenienced. If you are entitled to 600 euro compensation, you will get 600 euro, even if your ticket was very cheap.
Do I need to have travel insurance in order to claim compensation?
No, you don’t.
According to the EU Regulations, any affected passenger can get compensation. If you are entitled to compensation, you don’t have to provide any insurance papers in order to get it.
Can my child/baby get compensation from Air France?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. Kids can get compensation, too. Even infants who have a special infant ticket. If you are entitled to compensation of 600 euro, your child/baby will be too.
Can I claim compensation for another person (friend, relative, family member)?
Yes, you can.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
Just ask them to sign any papers Air France or flight compensation company asks them to sign. Also they will need to provide boarding pass and passport copy.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
Many European countries allow travelers to claim compensation even for old flights, flights that were 2 or even 3 years ago. However, we would recommend you not to wait that long. Make a claim as soon as you return from your trip.
What to do if Air France is refusing to pay compensation?
Air France is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
What should you do? Is it possible to receive compensation from Air France. Yes. There are two ways how you can proceed.
The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will claim compensation on your behalf. Alternatively, you may contact the respective national enforcement body and ask them to help solve your case. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If you are flying with Air France, then yes, you can.
All Air France flights are protected under the EU law.
If the disrupted Air France flight departs from a country outside the EU, you can get compensation. As long as it’s a 3+ hour delay due to the airline’s fault.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
With Air France you can.
I am not a EU citizen. Can I claim compensation?
Yes.
The EU Regulation 261/2004 protect all passengers — tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
Other Situations
Air France provided me with a free hotel stay and a free flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the delay?
Yes.
If your flight is disrupted, and it is due to the airline’s fault, you can get compensation from the airline. The free hotel stay and free flight doesn’t affect your chances of getting it.
Air France took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
If you arrive at least 3 hours later than scheduled, and the delay is due to the fault of the airline, you can get flight compensation from Air France. Even if you were given a new ticket to your destination, and received a free hotel stay, you are still entitled to compensation.
Have you ever had an experience with Air France strike compensation or refund? Did Air France pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about Air France compensation policies? Ask in the comments.