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Brussels Airlines Strike Compensation

Brussels Airlines strike compensation in the EU.

Do you qualify for it? How much can you request? What are the regulations?

Numerous passengers are unaware that strikes may not always be categorized as extraordinary circumstances. When Brussels Airlines’s personnel (and not airport staff) initiates a strike, leading to flight disruptions such as delays or cancellations, passengers might be eligible to receive compensation from Brussels Airlines. This entitlement applies to all eligible flights and passengers. Furthermore, passengers have the right to receive appropriate assistance.

You can claim this compensation yourself or work with a flight compensation company.

What Is an Airline Strike: Practical Tips for Passengers

An airline staff strike occurs when employees refuse to work as a protest or negotiation for better conditions. This can affect various groups of employees like pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and ground crew. Strikes can result from contract negotiations, safety concerns, or disagreements with management. During a strike, flights may be cancelled or delayed, causing inconvenience for passengers. The impact of a strike varies depending on its duration and scope.

The first step in dealing with a strike-related flight disruption is to stay informed. This means monitoring the news and social media channels for updates on the strike. Keep in mind that strikes can happen at any time – sometimes with little or no notice – so it’s important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Once a strike has been announced, the airline should immediately update their website with information about canceled flights, alternatives for stranded passengers, and rebooking options. Check the airline’s website for updates regularly or follow them on social media to get real-time updates.

If your flight has been canceled, and you need to get to your destination as soon as possible, consider alternative transportation options like buses, trains, or rental cars. That’s why it is advisable to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for flight disruptions caused by strikes.

Finally, it’s important to know your rights as a passenger when dealing with flight disruptions caused by a strike. Under the European Union Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is canceled or delayed due to a airline staff strike. Read on to learn more.

1. Brussels Airlines Strike Compensation

The criteria for receiving Brussels Airlines strike compensation are simple.

The flight must have experienced a delay or complete cancellation:

  • For flight delays, the delay period must be a minimum of 3 hours, calculated from the time when the airplane doors are opened upon reaching the destination, enabling passengers to disembark. If the delay exceeds 3 hours beyond the originally scheduled arrival time, passengers may be eligible for flight delay compensation.
  • Regarding flight cancellations, they must occur unexpectedly, at the last minute. Last-minute cancellations is when a flight is canceled less than 14 days before the departure date. If that’s the case, you may be entitled to Brussels Airlines flight cancellation compensation (not only Brussels Airlines refund for cancellation).

Will you potentially miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation?

In the event that your Brussels Airlines flight encounters a delay or cancellation, and there is a possibility that you might miss your connecting flight, we recommend referring to our comprehensive guide on Brussels Airlines missed connection compensation. The compensation regulations are similar to those for flight delays. It is crucial to determine the time difference between your actual arrival at the destination and the original scheduled arrival time.

If you miss your connection, don’t worry – Brussels Airlines will offer a complimentary alternative flight to ensure you reach your intended destination.

These regulations are applicable to all Brussels Airlines flights (within, to, and from 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 strikes by airline staff are not considered extraordinary circumstances.

Similarly, technical issues and staffing shortages are not classified as extraordinary circumstances.

Airlines, of course, prefer extraordinary circumstances as it relieves them of the obligation to pay.

Airlines may claim that a flight delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, even if it was not, in order to avoid providing compensation. Therefore, it is recommended to independently verify the information provided by the airline before accepting it. It is important to cross-check all details pertaining to flight compensation and refunds.

1.2 Right to Care (Right to Assistance)

Whenever your wait time exceeds the originally planned duration, you are entitled to receive necessary assistance. You have a right to care.

This includes specific complimentary services. For instance, if you find yourself waiting at the airport for a period of three hours or more, you may qualify for a complimentary meal and beverage. Furthermore, if the delay extends beyond three hours during nighttime, you might be eligible for free accommodation and airport transfers.

In accordance with the law, Brussels Airlines is obligated to provide food and beverages to passengers based on the duration of their wait. If you have not received any assistance, please approach Brussels Airlines staff members at the airport to address the issue.

Entering hotel room
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

2. How to Claim Brussels Airlines Strike Compensation?

There are two options available to file for EU flight compensation.

If you prefer to handle the process on your own, you can directly contact Brussels Airlines for claiming compensation. Visit their website and reach out to their customer support team to initiate the compensation request. However, it’s important to be aware that this approach might involve a lengthy process, potentially lasting several months, and you may need to engage in negotiations to achieve a satisfactory resolution.

Alternatively, you can opt for the simpler route, which involves seeking legal representation.

If you wish to avoid any hassle, you have the option to seek legal assistance to claim Brussels Airlines strike compensation. In Europe, there are specialized companies that focus on handling compensation claims for flight-related issues, and they can take care of all the necessary procedures on your behalf. All you need to do is complete a single form, the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services to assist you in this process.

When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:

Go to
this page

Fill in a claim form

Upload documents*

Sign online

And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.

* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.

Read more:

2.1 How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation?

What is the estimated duration for receiving Brussels Airlines strike compensation?

Generally, the process takes a minimum of 2-3 months. However, in recent cases, there have been instances where the process has taken longer, especially if you submit a claim independently and the airline decides to disregard your claim.

It is important to note that the process is not swift, so it should not come as a surprise if it takes some time to reach a resolution.

Euro banknotes
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

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 Brussels Airlines 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 Brussels Airlines Voucher Refund or Cash?

Airlines often provide vouchers as an alternative to compensation.

This practice is frequently adopted by airlines as it is a cost-effective approach compared to issuing cash refunds and compensation. Nonetheless, you have the right to refuse the voucher and instead request a refund in the form of cash or a bank transfer. It is crucial to note that airline compensation and refunds are legally required to be provided in cash or through a bank transfer as per EU regulations. Therefore, it is important to always insist on receiving your compensation in this manner.

Brussels Airlines Strike Compensation: FAQ

My flight was cheap. Am I still entitled to compensation?

Yes. The price of the ticket doesn’t matter.

The cheap price of your ticket doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation. Nor it affects the compensation amount.

Do I need to have travel insurance to claim compensation?

No, you don’t. 

You can get compensation even if you don’t have insurance.

Can my child get compensation from Brussels Airlines?

Yes.

The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. Kids can get compensation, too. Even infants who are travelling with a special infant ticket. 

If you are entitled to compensation, your child is, too.

Your child will get the same amount. 

Can I claim compensation for another person?

Yes, you can.

Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.

You can file a compensation for your friend, family member or relative, as long as they provide you with a copy of their boarding pass and passport.

How far back can I claim compensation?

It depends on the laws of the country.

In Europe, in most cases, you can claim compensation even for old flights.

If your flight was 2-3 years ago, you still might be able to make a claim.

What to do if Brussels Airlines is refusing to pay compensation?

Brussels Airlines is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it. 

What to do in such a situation? The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will continue the process 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 traveling with Brussels Airlines, and your flight is eligible, then yes, you can. You are protected on all Brussels Airlines flights. 

I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?

If you are traveling with Brussels Airlines, you can.

I am not from Europe. Can I get compensation?

Yes. You can get compensation even if you are not European. 

The Regulation 261/2004 protects all passengers.

Other Situations

Brussels Airlines provided me with a free hotel room and a free flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the delay?

Yes. 

If your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it even if you have accepted a replacement flight and free hotel stay.

Brussels Airlines took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?

Yes.

If your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it even if you have accepted a replacement flight from Brussels Airlines.

Have you ever had an experience with Brussels Airlines strike compensation or refund? Did Brussels Airlines pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about Brussels Airlines compensation policies? Ask in the comments.

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