Ryanair strike compensation in Europe.
Do you qualify for it? How much can you get? What are the guidelines?
Numerous flyers don’t realize that strikes are not universally categorized as extraordinary circumstances. If the Ryanair staff (not the airport personnel) strikes, causing flight delays or cancellations, travelers might be eligible for flight compensation from Ryanair. This applies to all qualifying flights and passengers. Passengers have the additional right to receive care.
You can claim strike compensation on your own, by contacting the airline, or opt for the services of a flight compensation company.
1. Ryanair Strike Compensation
The guidelines for receiving Ryanair strike compensation are simple.
The flight should have been delayed or cancelled:
- The flight delay must be a minimum of 3 hours, calculated from when the airplane doors open at the destination, and passengers are allowed to exit. If the delay is 3 or more hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, you might be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation should be on short notice. This includes all Ryanair flights cancelled up to 14 days before the departure date. Under these circumstances, you might be entitled to Ryanair flight cancellation compensation (not just a Ryanair refund for cancellation).
Ryanair will provide a free replacement flight to assist you in reaching your destination. It’s their obligation. All airlines operating in Europe have to follow the same rules.
In essence, it’s not a specific compensation for Ryanair strikes (such compensations don’t exist in Europe), but rather compensation for delays or cancellations.
These rules apply to all Ryanair flights to, within, 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
Remember that airline staff strikes are not extraordinary circumstances.
Just like mechanical problems and staffing shortages are not extraordinary circumstances.
However, Ryanair may try to say that a flight delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even if it wasn’t, to avoid paying compensation. This is because airlines love the term “extraordinary circumstances”, as it releases them from the liability to pay. Hence, it is wise to cross-verify the information provided by the airline before accepting it. We recommend you to fact-check all data related to flight compensation and refunds.
Read more:
- Your Ryanair Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Ryanair Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever you have to wait longer than anticipated, you have a right to care.
This entitles you to certain complimentary services. For instance, if you wait at the airport for three or more hours, you might be eligible for a free meal and drink. Furthermore, if the delay extends more than three hours during the night, you could be entitled to free accommodation and airport transfers.
According to the law, Ryanair must offer these services to passengers based on the duration of their wait. If you haven’t received any assistance, please speak to Ryanair employees at the airport.
2. How to Claim Ryanair Strike Compensation?
There are two ways to file for UK/EU flight compensation.
To claim compensation for a Ryanair strike yourself, you can directly get in touch with Ryanair by going to their website and requesting compensation through their customer support team. However, it’s vital to acknowledge that the process may take several months and you may need to negotiate to reach a desirable outcome.
You can also opt for the path of least resistance — legal representation.
If you don’t want to get into any complexities, you can opt for legal help to solve your problem. There are companies in Europe that specialise in compensation for flight-related issues and they can take care of everything for you. Very often all you have to do is to fill out one form, the compensation claim form. Our partners offer such services.
How to get compensation? Do this:
And that’s it — professionals handle the rest.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim Ryanair Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What is the projected time frame for receiving compensation?
The process generally takes at least 2-3 months. Lately, there have been more instances where the process takes longer, especially if you file a claim on your own and the airline chooses to disregard your claim. Ryanair is known for being a hard company to get money from.
It’s not a swift process, so don’t be taken aback if it takes time.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
The compensation sums are predetermined and vary from €250 to €600.
These sums are determined by the UK/EU regulations.
Here is how you can calculate the amount of your Ryanair 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 Ryanair Voucher Refund or Cash?
Numerous airlines, including Ryanair, offer vouchers as compensation.
This is a standard practice in the airline industry, as it is less costly for them than disbursing cash refunds and compensation. However, you have the right to decline the Ryanair voucher and demand a cash or bank transfer refund instead. Given that airline compensation and reimbursements should be presented in cash or via bank transfer, it’s crucial to insist on receiving it in this format. This is a regulatory requirement in the EU.
Ryanair Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight cost only €5. Can I get compensation if my flight is disrupted due to the fault of Ryanair?
Yes.
The price of the ticket doesn’t matter.
If your Ryanair flight is delayed for more than 3 hours or cancelled last minute due to the fault of the airline, you might be entitled to compensation. It doesn’t matter how much did you paid for your flight.
Remember — you are paid for the inconvenience.
Do I need to have travel insurance to claim compensation?
No, you don’t.
Just as it’s not important how much did you pay for your ticket, it’s not important if you have travel insurance or not.
You can claim compensation even if you don’t have insurance.
Can my child get compensation from Ryanair?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. If you are entitled to Ryanair flight compensation, your child/baby will be, too. Even if you travel with an infant who has a special infant ticket.
Can I claim compensation for another person?
Can you claim compensation for a friend, relative or a member of your family?
Yes. Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself. You can claim compensation on behalf of another person, but they will need to provide you with a boarding pass and passport copy and sign any documents Ryanair or a law company might ask to sign.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In many European countries, it’s possible to claim compensation even for old flights. The deadline might be even 3 years. You can claim with the help of a law office, and they will check your flight for you.
What to do if Ryanair is denying my claim?
Ryanair is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
Is there anything you could do? Is it still possible to get compensation from Ryanair?
Yes. There are two ways you can proceed. The best and the most hassle-free way is to hand over your case to a law office specialising in air passenger rights. The company will 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?
If you’re flying with Ryanair then yes, you can.
All Ryanair flights are protected under the EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004. Because Ryanair is an EU airline.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s a Ryanair flight, then yes.
As long as the flight meets these criteria:
- It’s a 3+ hour delay;
- It’s due to the fault of Ryanair.
I am not a citizen of the EU/UK. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
The UK Regulation UK261 and Regulation 261/2004 protect all passengers.
The nationality of the passenger doesn’t matter.
Other Situations
Ryanair provided me with free accommodation and a free flight to my destination. Can I claim compensation?
Yes.
Free hotel stay and free flight don’t affect your chances of receiving Ryanair flight compensation. These are the laws in Europe.
Ryanair took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
As long as the flight meets these criteria:
- It’s a 3+ hour delay;
- It’s due to the fault of Ryanair.
Accepting a free flight doesn’t affect your chances of receiving Ryanair flight compensation. These are the laws in Europe.
Have you ever had an experience with Ryanair strike compensation or refund? Did Ryanair pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about Ryanair compensation policies? Ask in the comments.