Strikes and flight compensation in the UK: what you can claim

Strikes by the airline itself

A strike by the airline own pilots, cabin crew or ground staff is generally not treated as an extraordinary circumstance, because it is linked to the normal running of the company. In that case compensation of £220, £350 or £520 per passenger is generally due if you arrive three hours or more late or the flight is cancelled at short notice.

Strikes by third parties

A strike by air traffic control, or by staff of an airport or a security company, is generally outside the airline control and is often treated as extraordinary. The airline then does not have to pay fixed compensation, but you keep your right to care, and to a refund or re-routing if the flight is cancelled.

What to do

Keep any message from the airline, note who was on strike and check whether you were told at least 14 days before departure. The airline has to show that the strike was beyond its control, so an eligibility check is worth doing before you accept a refusal.

Can I claim if the strike was announced in advance?

Possibly. An announcement does not by itself make a strike extraordinary, and the airline has to show it took reasonable measures to limit the disruption.

Do I still get a refund if my flight is cancelled by a strike?

Yes. You are generally entitled to choose between a refund and re-routing whatever the cause of the cancellation.

Who decides if the strike counts?

The airline decides first, but you can challenge its decision through the airline complaint process, an alternative dispute resolution scheme or the courts.