What to Do When a Strike Cancels Your Flight

If you traveled in Europe this August, it’s quite likely you encountered a strike of some kind, whether organized by air traffic controllers, taxis or flight attendants. European labor unions tend to strike while the travel season is hot, impacting thousands of travelers each year. If your flight ends up being delayed or canceled due to a strike, what can you do? What are your rights? See below for tips to arm yourself if such a debacle threatens to ruin your summer vacation.

Reach out to the airline. The airline may be the first entity to notify you about the strike and how it will affect your flight. If this happens via mobile push notification or email, scan the website or app for re-booking options, including changing or canceling your flight, information about whether flight changes will be covered and whether you will be entitled to compensation.

Re-book. If re-booking is an option but your chosen airline doesn’t have another flight available that is convenient for you, ask the airline if they can book you on an airline that shares the same alliance membership as your original airline. This is a likelier option on international flights, but if you face this challenge for a domestic flight, see if you can be re-booked on a codeshare partner.

Request compensation. Consult your travel insurance policy or credit card benefits to see if you’re eligible for a refund or compensation for a canceled flight. If flying through Europe, Under EC 261, European airlines must compensate travelers when flight cancellations are caused by worker strikes not organized by unions.