American Airlines strike compensation in Europe.
Which American Airlines flights are eligible? Does it apply to your flight?
Many travellers mistakenly think that all strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances. However, if a strike initiated by American Airlines’ crew (excluding airport staff) causes flight delays or cancellations, passengers may be eligible for compensation from American Airlines. You have the option to claim this compensation yourself or enlist the help of a flight compensation company.
It’s important to note that EU regulations are only applicable to American Airlines flights that depart from Europe.
1. American Airlines Strike Compensation
The criteria to qualify for American Airlines strike compensation are straightforward.
The flight should either be delayed or cancelled:
- The flight delay must be at least 3 hours, measured from when the aeroplane doors are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark. If a delay of 3 hours or more beyond the expected arrival time occurs, passengers could be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation must be last-minute. This means that your flight must be cancelled no more than 14 days before the scheduled departure. If that’s the situation, you might be entitled to American Airlines flight cancellation compensation (in addition to American Airlines refund for cancellation).
Essentially, this is not a specific American Airlines strike (there’s no such compensations in Europe), but rather compensation for delays or cancellations caused by the strike.
Keep in mind that American Airlines is not a European airline. Thus, European regulations only govern their flights departing from Europe.
What happens if you miss your connecting flight? American Airlines will arrange an alternate flight for you at no additional cost to ensure you reach your final destination. They are obligated to do so. If you’re flying from Europe, you have a right to care, and in certain instances, missed connecting flight compensation.
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
Keep in mind that strikes by airline employees are not considered extraordinary circumstances.
The same goes for mechanical issues and staff shortages, these are not considered as extraordinary situations.
Sometimes, airlines may label a delay or cancellation as an extraordinary event, even when it’s not. If you encounter a flight delay or cancellation, it’s advisable to contact the airline for a detailed explanation.
Airlines may argue that a flight delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even when that isn’t the case, to avoid compensating passengers. Airlines favour such circumstances as they are not obligated to pay. Hence, it’s wise to validate the airline’s claim before accepting it, especially if it’s something related to flight compensation and refunds.
Read more:
- Your American Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do Next?
- Your American Airlines Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever you are subjected to a prolonged delay, you have a right to care.
This gives you right to certain free services. For example, if you’re delayed at the airport for three or more hours, you might be eligible for a free meal and beverage. Moreover, if the delay lasts over three hours during the night, you might qualify for complimentary hotel room and airport transfers.
If you haven’t received any help, kindly reach out to American Airlines representatives stationed at the airport.
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2. How to Claim American Airlines Strike Compensation?
How to claim American Airlines strike compensation?
There are two methods to apply for flight compensation.
To independently claim compensation for an American Airlines strike, you may alternatively contact American Airlines directly via their website and request compensation through their customer service department. However, be prepared that it could be time-consuming and might involve negotiation to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Or consider taking the easiest path — legal representation.
If you wish to bypass all the hassle, considering legal help would be useful. There are companies in Europe specializing in compensation related to flight issues and they can manage everything on your behalf. All you need to do is complete one form, the compensation claim form. Our partners provide 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 American Airlines Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What is the expected timeframe for receiving compensation?
The procedure usually lasts between 2-3 months. Recently, there have been instances where the process takes longer, particularly if you claim independently and the airline chooses to reject your claim.
It isn’t a quick process, so don’t be surprised if it takes a while.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
How much is American Airlines strike compensation?
The predetermined compensation amounts range from €250 to €600.
The EU has rules about these amounts.
Here’s how you can calculate your American 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
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
3.1 American Airlines Voucher Refund or Cash?
Several airlines, including American Airlines, offer vouchers as a means of compensation.
Airlines often prefer this method as it is more cost-effective for them, rather than providing cash refunds and compensation. However, you have the right to decline the voucher and request a refund in cash or bank transfer instead. According to US federal law, airlines should provide compensation and refunds in cash or bank transfer. It is important to always request your compensation in this form.
However, keep in mind that American Airlines is not a European airline. As such, European regulations only apply to their flights departing from Europe.
American Airlines Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was cheap. I booked it during sales. Will it affect my compensation claim?
No.
The price of the ticket doesn’t matter. It won’t lower your chances of getting compensation. Nor it will affect compensation amount.
Remember — you are paid for the inconvenience.
What if I don’t have travel insurance? Can I still claim compensation?
You don’t need insurance to receive compensation.
All thanks to the Regulation EC 261/2004 (and Regulation UK261).
If your flight is 3+ hours late, you might have a right to flight delay compensation from American Airlines. You don’t need to provide any insurance papers.
Can my child get compensation from American Airlines?
Yes, absolutely.
The passenger’s age doesn’t matter. If you are entitled to compensation, your child/baby will be too. Your child will get the same amount. If it’s a 600 euro compensation, you both will get it — you and your child. If you are travelling with a family, all family members will get compensation. As long as your flight is eligible for compensation.
The same rules apply to infants without a dedicated seat.
Can I claim compensation for someone else (e.g., my friend, relative, or family member)?
Yes, you can.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
As long as you have a copy of their boarding pass and passport/ID.
Also, they will need to sign a couple of documents.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In many countries across the globe, especially Europe, 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 American Airlines is refusing to pay compensation?
The airline is refusing to pay compensation.
How can you proceed? Is it even possible? Yes!
There are two options. The easiest way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will continue the process on your behalf.
Or, you can contact the national enforcement body of the country your flight was from. 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 UK/EU flight delay compensation?
If you’re flying with American Airlines then no, you can’t.
European regulations only cover American Airlines flights departing from European airports.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get UK/EU flight delay compensation?
Yes, you can.
The same applies to all American Airlines flights from the UK.
I am not a European citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
Your nationality doesn’t matter.
If your flight is eligible for compensation, you will get it even if you are not European.
Other Situations
American Airlines provided me with a free hotel stay and a free replacement flight. Can I still get compensation?
Yes, if the flight departed from the EU / UK.
Because in this case, you are entitled to all three: a new flight, care from the airline, and, if your flight is eligible, to flight compensation.
American Airlines took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
If your flight is eligible, you can get compensation from American Airlines.
As long as the flight was from Europe and it was delayed due to the airline’s fault.
Yes, even if you were provided with a new flight.
Have you ever had an experience with American Airlines strike compensation or flight refund? Do you still have questions about American Airlines compensation policies? Ask in the comments.