Czech Airlines strike compensation in the EU.
Are you eligible to this compensation? How much is it? What are the rules?
You might be surprised to learn that strikes are not always considered extraordinary circumstances. If a strike initiated by Czech Airlines staff, instead of airport personnel, leads to flight disruptions, you may be eligible for flight compensation from Czech Airlines. You can get compensation for all qualifying flight delays and flight cancellations.
Additionally, you are entitled to receive care during such situations.
1. Czech Airlines Strike Compensation
The criteria for obtaining Czech Airlines strike compensation are simple.
Your flight must have been delayed or cancelled:
- Flight delay due to strike. If your flight is delayed and arrives more than 3 hours late, you can get compensation for the delay. Delay is measured from the moment the airplane’s doors are opened.
- Flight cancellation due to strike. If a flight is cancelled at the last minute, which means up to 14 days before departure, you are eligible for flight cancellation compensation and a refund from Czech Airlines for the cancellation.
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
Rest assured, Czech Airlines will provide a complimentary new flight to help you reach your intended destination. Additionally, you are entitled to care and assistance from the airline. These regulations apply to all Czech Airlines flights.
You may be entitled to flight compensation, too. We advise you to read our detailed guide on compensation for missed connections with Czech Airlines to gain deeper understanding.
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
It’s important to know that airline staff strikes, technical problems, and not having enough staff are not considered extraordinary situations. But, airlines might wrongly call a delay or cancellation due to reasons like this extraordinary, all to avoid paying compensation.
Airlines may say a delay or cancellation was due to special reasons to avoid paying compensation, even if it wasn’t true. It’s wise to check the airline’s claims before accepting them. Always double-check information about flight compensation and refunds to be sure.
When in doubts, you can consult with air passenger rights experts on this.
1.2 Right to Care and Assistance
In case of flight delays and cancellations, you have a right to care.
This means you have a right to certain complimentary services. For instance, if you find yourself waiting at the airport for a period of 3 hours or more extra, you may be eligible for a complimentary meal and beverage. In addition to that, you have the right to access to communications – two free phone calls or emails.
Moreover, if it’s happening at night, and the delay is more than 3 hours, you may be eligible for complimentary accommodation and airport transfers.
If you haven’t gotten help, please contact Czech Airlines staff at the airport to claim your entitlements.
2. How to Claim Czech Airlines Strike Compensation?
When seeking EU flight compensation, you have two options available.
- To claim compensation for a Czech Airlines strike yourself, simply reach out to Czech Airlines customer service via their website or email to start the process. Note, this method may take a lot of time time, possibly months, and might need some negotiation to reach a satisfactory outcome.
- Choose legal help: You can get legal assistance easily. In Europe, there are companies that specialize in flight compensation. They handle everything for you. Just fill out one form, the compensation claim form, and let the professionals take over. Our partners provide these services.
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 Czech Airlines Compensation?
- Is Your Czech Airlines Flight Compensation Claim Denied? What’s Next?
2.1 How Long Do Airlines Take To Pay Compensation?
The compensation process usually takes 2-3 months.
Recently, it often takes longer, especially if you file alone and the airline ignores you, or declines your compensation claim. This process is not quick and can take a long time.
3. How Much Can You Claim From Czech Airlines?
Czech Airlines compensation amounts range from €250 to €600.
These amounts are regulated by EU regulations. Here is how you can calculate the amount of your Czech Airlines strike 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 Czech Airlines Voucher Refund or Cash?
Airlines often give vouchers instead of money as compensation.
Airlines save money by offering vouchers instead of cash refunds. But remember, you can say no to the voucher and ask for a cash refund or bank transfer. EU law says airlines must give compensation and refunds in cash or bank transfer, unless a customer agrees to a coupon or voucher. Always stand up for this right.
You don’t have to accept any Czech Airlines vouchers.
4. What to Do if My Flight Is Cancelled Due to a Strike?
What steps should I take if my flight is canceled due to a strike?
Your first step should be to ask your airline for a different flight.
If you don’t want to continue with your journey, you can ask for a refund. Sometimes, the airline has to help you with meals, drinks, and a place to stay. You might have this right. If the airline’s staff or crew strike causes your flight to cancel, you could get money back or a different flight. But, you can only get this if your situation meets certain rules.
Remember, if airport workers or someone else starts the strike, it’s seen as an extraordinary circumstance. In this case, you won’t get compensation.
If your flight is delayed due to a staff strike, you are entitled to care from the airline, as well as compensation. If your delayed flight is eventually cancelled, you can get a new flight for free.
5. What Is an Airline Strike and What Are the Reasons Behind It?
An airline strike happens when airline workers like pilots and flight attendants stop working to ask for better job conditions.
When there’s a strike, airlines might not run smoothly. Flights could get cancelled or delayed, causing problems for passengers. Strikes happen for many reasons like disagreements over pay, work conditions, job safety, or contracts. Usually, unions or employee groups start strikes, getting lots of workers to join the protest.
The timing of airline staff and pilot strikes can vary depending on the specific circumstances and negotiations between labor unions and airline management.
It’s important to know the latest news on airline worker strikes because they can really change your travel plans and flight times.
Czech Airlines Strike Compensation: FAQ
My Czech Airlines flight was super cheap. Can I get compensation?
If your flight is eligible for the compensation, then yes.
The price of the ticket doesn’t matter. It doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation. Neither does it affect the compensation amount that you can receive. You can get 400 euros even if the ticket was only 40.
Do I need to provide travel insurance to claim European compensation?
Do you need to have insurance to get Czech Airlines compensation?
No, you don’t need insurance for this. If your flight is eligible for compensation, you don’t need to have anything else, except for a boarding pass and passport or ID.
Can children get compensation from Czech Airlines too?
Can your child get compensation from the airline? Yes!
100%. Because that’s the law, it protects all passengers.
Even infants who have a special infant ticket, theoretically, can get a full compensation from Czech Airlines. Both of you should be getting the same amount — if you are entitled to compensation of 600 euros, your child will be too.
Can I claim compensation for another person? He/she doesn’t speak English.
Yes, you can. The reason why you are doing this isn’t important here.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself, you can help another person to apply for compensation from Czech Airlines. The only thing that they will need to provide is a boarding pass and a passport copy. Also, they might need to sign a couple of forms.
Can I get compensation for old flights?
It depends on the laws of the country, but yes.
In many European countries, you might get compensation for old or very old flights. If your flight was disrupted due to the airline’s fault 2-3 years ago, you might get compensation for that flight. In some countries, you can get the money also for 6-year-old flights.
What to do if Czech Airlines is refusing to pay compensation?
Czech Airlines is refusing to pay compensation.
You think you should be getting it, but the airline says no.
There are two ways how you can proceed. The best option is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will finish the process on your behalf.
Or you could contact the respective national enforcement body (NEB) 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?
Is it a Czech Airlines flight? If yes, then yes.
Because you are protected under the EU law on all of its flights. Even on those flights that depart from a country outside the EU. If your Czech Airlines flight is eligible for compensation, you can get compensation, even if your flight departed from a country outside the EU, EEA or UK.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Is it a Czech Airlines flight?
If the answer is yes, then you are protected under the EU law on all of its flights.
I am not a citizen of the EU/UK/EEA. Can I get compensation?
Yes. Because your nationality doesn’t matter.
If you are eligible to compensation, you will get this compensation, no matter your nationality. Regulations 261/2004, and Regulation UK261, protect all passengers — tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
Other Situations
Czech Airlines booked me on a new flight and provided me with a free hotel stay. Can I still get compensated for my disrupted flight?
Yes, you can. Apply for the compensation as soon as possible.
If your flight is eligible for compensation, you can get it even if the airline booked you on a new flight and provided you with a free hotel stay. Accepting these services doesn’t affect your chances of getting the compensation.
Czech Airlines took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
If you arrived at least 3 hours later than planned, and the delay/cancellation was due to the fault of the airline, not something unavoidable, you can get full compensation. Accepting the free replacement flight doesn’t affect your chances of getting the compensation.
Have you ever had an experience with Czech Airlines strike compensation or refund? Did Czech Airlines pay the compensation in a timely manner? Do you still have questions about Czech Airlines‘ compensation policies? Ask in the comments.