Blue Air strike compensation.
Could you be eligible? What amount can you claim? What are the regulations?
Many passengers are unaware that strikes are not always considered extraordinary events. If Blue Air’s staff (not airport personnel) go on strike, resulting in flight delays or cancellations, passengers may be eligible for compensation from Blue Air. This applies to all qualifying flights and passengers. Additionally, passengers have the right to receive care.
This compensation can be claimed directly or with the assistance of a flight compensation company.
1. Blue Air Strike Compensation
The requirements for obtaining Blue Air strike compensation are simple.
The flight must have experienced a delay or been completely cancelled:
- The delay of the flight must be at least 3 hours, calculated from the time the aircraft doors are opened upon arrival, allowing passengers to disembark. If the delay exceeds 3 hours past the scheduled arrival time, passengers could be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- The cancellation of the flight must be abrupt. Last-minute flight cancellations encompass flights cancelled within 14 days before the departure date. Under these circumstances, you could be eligible for Blue Air flight cancellation compensation (not only Blue Air refund for cancellation).
This isn’t a special compensation for Blue Air strikes (such compensations are not recognised in Europe), but rather a compensation for delay or cancellation.
Do you worry about potentially missing a connecting flight?
If you have a connecting flight with Blue Air and experience a delay or cancellation, be sure to read our guide on Blue Air missed connection compensation. The compensation conditions are identical to those for flight delays. You need to check how much later you arrive at your destination than your original schedule.
Blue Air is obligated to offer a complimentary replacement flight to ensure your safe arrival at your destination. This is a requirement for all airlines operating in Europe.
All Blue Air flights to, within, and from Europe are governed by these rules.
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
Remember, airline staff strikes do not fall under extraordinary circumstances.
Similarly, technical issues and lack of staff are not classified as extraordinary circumstances.
However, airlines may frequently claim a delay or cancellation as an extraordinary circumstance, even when it is not. It is advisable to contact the airline for clarification in the event of a flight delay or cancellation. Airlines may argue that extraordinary circumstances caused a flight delay or cancellation to steer clear of compensation.
Always cross-verify all details regarding flight compensations and refunds.
Read more:
- Your Blue Air Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Blue Air Compensation Claim Is Denied. What Next?
1.2 Right to Care
You have a right to care if your flight is cancelled, delayed, or overbooked.
This means that you are entitled to certain complimentary services. For example, if you wait at the airport for three or more hours, you may qualify for a free meal and beverage. Additionally, if the delay extends beyond three hours during the night, you might be eligible for free accommodation and airport transfers.
By law, Blue Air must provide these services to passengers, contingent on how long they have to wait. If you haven’t been offered any assistance, we suggest reaching out to Blue Air representatives at the airport.
2. How to Claim Blue Air Strike Compensation?
How to claim Blue Air strike compensation?
There are two approaches to applying for EU flight compensation.
To claim compensation for a Blue Air strike yourself, you are advised to go directly to Blue Air by heading to their website and seeking compensation via their customer support team. However, be aware that this process can be time-consuming and may require negotiations to achieve a satisfactory result.
Alternatively, you may opt for — legal assistance.
If you want to avoid any possible complications, you can choose to hire a legal expert to help you resolve your issue. There are European firms that specialise in compensation for flight-related problems and can take care of everything for you. You simply need to complete a single form, which is the compensation claim form.
Our partners provide such services.
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 Blue Air Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
Curious about the expected timeline for receiving compensation?
Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from 2-3 months. In recent times, there has been an increase in cases where the process endures for longer, especially if you submit a claim independently and the airline opts to disregard your claim.
This is not a speedy procedure, so be prepared for it to take some time.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
The compensation amounts are fixed by the EU regulations and can vary from €250 to €600.
This is how you can determine your Blue Air strike 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 Blue Air Voucher Refund or Cash?
Airlines, including Blue Air, frequently offer vouchers as a form of compensation.
This approach is more cost-effective for the airline than disbursing cash refunds and compensations. However, you are within your rights to decline the voucher and insist on a cash refund/compensation or bank transfer. As per EU law, airline compensation and refunds should be paid in cash or through bank transfers, and passengers should always insist on these modes of payment.
Blue Air Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was only €20. Can I get compensation if my flight was very cheap?
It doesn’t matter how much your ticket cost.
If your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it. The price of your ticket doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation. Nor does it affect the compensation amount.
Remember — you are paid for the inconvenience.
I don’t have travel insurance. Can I still claim compensation?
Yes, of course.
You can get compensation even if you don’t have insurance. As long as you arrive 3+ hours later than scheduled, and the disruption is due to the airline’s fault.
Can my kid get compensation from Blue Air?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. Kids and babies can get compensation, too. If a parent is entitled to compensation, the child will be too.
Even infants with special infant ticket can get compensation.
Can I claim compensation for a friend, relative, family member?
Yes, you can.
You can claim compensation for another person. Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself. Just keep in mind that they need to provide a passport copy and boarding pass. Also they need to sign one form, and, if necessary, a couple more documents.
How far back can I claim flight compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In many European countries you can claim compensation even for old flights. If your flight was 2-3 years ago, you might still be able to make a claim, and, if you are entitled to compensation, you might get it.
However, for the best results, we would recommend you to make a claim as soon as you return from your trip.
What to do if Blue Air is denying my claim?
Blue Air is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
How you can proceed? One of the options is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will take over and pursue compensation 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?
As long as your Blue Air flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it.
It doesn’t matter which country it departs from.
You are protected on all Blue Air flights because it’s a EU airline.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If your Blue Air flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it.
It doesn’t matter if it departs from the EU or a country outside the EU.
You are protected on all Blue Air flights because it’s a EU airline.
Can I get compensation if I am not a citizen of the EU?
Yes.
Passenger’s nationality doesn’t matter.
According to the EU Flight Compensation Regulation, all passengers are entitled to compensation.
As long as the flight is eligible to compensation, that is.
Other Situations
Blue Air provided me with a free hotel room and booked me on a new flight to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
Yes.
If your flight is eligible to compensation, you will get it. Even if the airline put you on a new flight and booked you into a hotel. In this case, you are entitled both to care and compensation.
Blue Air took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
As long as your flight is eligible to compensation, you will get it.
Even if the airline provided you with a new ticket to your destination. In this case, you are entitled to a new flight and compensation of up to €600 per passenger.
Have you ever had an experience with Blue Air strike compensation or refund? Did Blue Air pay the compensation in a timely manner? Do you still have questions about Blue Air compensation policies? Ask in the comments.