Berlin.
On January 25, there should be no regular air traffic at BER Airport – the reason is a strike. What can affected passengers do?
“Probably takes place on Wednesday there will be no regular air traffic,” explained Sabine Deckwerth, spokeswoman for the airport company – on Monday of the German Press Agency. reason is for . The Verdi union has called on workers in the areas of ground handling services, airport company and aviation security to stop work. For around 35,000 passengers the strike has massive repercussions if workers heed the union’s call.
Strike at the airport: when passengers are not entitled to compensation
But what to do if the planned Flight suddenly canceled without warning? The good news: “In the event of flight cancellations, overbooking or long delays, passengers are entitled to a Damage payment of up to 600 euros,” reports the specialist portal “Flight Right”. 2018 judged the European Court of Justice (ECJ) In addition, compensation must be paid for canceled or delayed flights in the event of strikes.
The crux of the matter: The right to compensation only exists if the airline concerned is responsible for the cause of the strike. This is the case, for example, when airline staff go on strike. Strikes by workers ground handling services or aviation security are not the responsibility of the Airlines. They have no influence on this and are therefore not obliged to pay any compensation – in such cases one speaks of an “extra-company strike”. The most important facts at a glance:
Strike at the airport: right to compensation – these conditions apply:
- The flight does not take off or takes off late – for example, if the aircraft has a defect
- The flight does not arrive on time (at least three hours late) at the destination airport
- The strike was not more than three years ago
- The airline’s staff (such as pilots or cabin crew) are on strike
Airport: Flight canceled due to strike – what affected passengers can do
Nevertheless, it can make sense to get in touch with the airline or the tour operator in the event of such non-company strikes as at BER Airport in Berlin. On the one hand, because it is delayed or flight cancellations as a result of strikes always depends on the individual case and the demand for a compensation payment is made quickly. On the other hand, some tour operators or airlines are accommodating and offer affected customers a choice of a replacement flight or a refund – they are reports of this “financial tip” according to but not obliged.
According to information from “Consumer Center” is for package tours – where vacation and flight are booked together – the tour operator the first point of contact. If the flight is booked separately, the route goes directly through the airline. Before doing so, you should collect important documents. Flightright’s passenger rights experts recommend finding out the reason for the delay or the cancellation to be given in writing. You should also inquire with the airline about replacement transport.
Airport strike: review entitlement to compensation – up to 600 euros possible
Also important: Proof of utility services such as hotel accommodation or rental car bookings should be submitted passengers also cancel. If consumers are entitled to compensation – for example because airline staff are on strike – the amount of financial compensation depends on the distance. Basically, the longer the flight route, the higher the compensation. There are a total of three levels that affected passengers can use as a basis for compensation:
|
designation |
Damage payment |
|
Short distances up to 1,500 km |
250 euro |
|
Medium distance up to 3,500 km |
400 euros |
|
Long distances from 3,500 km |
600 euros |
Irrespective of the compensation, the airline or tour operator must inform affected customers as quickly as possible about the flight cancellation – for example in the event of a strike – and find a reasonable alternative. Affected passengers do not have to react here. For domestic flights, the airlines often offer a train ticket as a replacement. Those affected should not simply rebook on their own or switch to the train – because in case of doubt you will be left with additional costs.
Strike at the airport: What rights do consumers have? These online tools will help
Those affected should only take action if the airline does not react. The same applies here: evidence for train ticket and Co. keep well. It is easy to check what claims you have as a passenger or whether you are even entitled to compensation. Various online portals such as “Flightright”, the consumer advice center or “Finanztip” offer apps or online tools so-called passenger calculator. Affected passengers enter their data and receive an initial assessment via a short questionnaire.
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