Germany's largest airline staff on strike

Lufthansa, Germany's largest airline which also operates other carriers including Eurowings and Austrian Airlines is currently facing another round of industrial action by some of its staff.

The latest strike action, which will continue until the 9th of March, will cause delays and cancellations for thousands of passengers.

Our resident travel expert Steve Reid says, "if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to Lufthansa's staff industrial action, you are afforded passenger rights protection under EU & UK law. The legislation holds airlines accountable for flight disruptions within their control, including staff industrial action. So, if you have been affected you may be eligible for compensation of up to £520. To gain financial compensation your flight must have been delayed by 3 hours or more, or your flight cancelled within 14 days of departure."

Understanding Your Rights During Airline Strikes

When airline staff go on strike, it's important to understand that this falls under circumstances within the airline's control, unlike external factors such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes. This distinction is crucial for passenger compensation rights.

EU & UK Passenger Protection

Under EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK 261, passengers affected by airline staff strikes are entitled to:

• Compensation ranging from £220 to £520 depending on flight distance
• Care and assistance including meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary
• Right to rebooking on the next available flight or full refund
• Communication facilities including phone calls and emails

Compensation Amounts

The compensation you're entitled to depends on your flight distance:

• Short-haul flights (up to 1,500km): £220
• Medium-haul flights (1,500-3,500km): £350
• Long-haul flights (over 3,500km): £520

What Lufthansa Passengers Should Do

If you're affected by the Lufthansa strike action:

Immediate Steps

1. Check flight status regularly through Lufthansa's website or mobile app

1. Contact the airline to understand your rebooking options

1. Keep All Documentation including boarding passes, booking confirmations, and receipts

1. Document the disruption with photos of departure boards and any official communications

Know Your Options

• Rebooking: Lufthansa must offer you a seat on the next available flight at no extra cost
• Refund: You can choose a full refund if you decide not to travel
• Alternative transport: In some cases, the airline may book you on a different carrier

Claiming Compensation

To claim compensation for strike-related disruptions:

1. Gather evidence of the delay or cancellation

1. Submit Your Claim directly to Lufthansa or through a claims service

1. Be Persistent as airlines may initially reject valid claims

1. Know the time limits - you typically have up to 6 years to claim in most EU countries

The Broader Impact

Lufthansa's strike action affects not just the main carrier but also its subsidiary airlines:

• Eurowings - Lufthansa's low-cost subsidiary
• Austrian Airlines - Part of the Lufthansa Group
• Swiss International Air Lines - Another group member
• Brussels Airlines - Also within the Lufthansa network

Connecting Flights

Passengers with connecting flights face particular challenges during strikes:

• Missed Connections due to delayed incoming flights
• Rebooking complications across multiple airlines
• Extended travel times as alternative routes may be longer

Strike vs. Other Disruptions

It's important to understand how airline staff strikes differ from other types of disruptions:

Airline Staff Strikes (Compensable)

• Pilots, cabin crew, ground staff strikes
• Within airline's control
• Passengers entitled to compensation

External Strikes (Not Compensable)

• Air traffic control strikes
• Airport security strikes
• Ground handling company strikes (if not airline's own staff)
• Considered "extraordinary circumstances"

Preparing for Future Strikes

To minimize disruption from future airline strikes:

Before Booking

• Check strike history of airlines during your travel period
• Consider Travel Insurance that covers strike-related disruptions
• Book direct flights when possible to avoid connection complications

Travel Day Preparation

• Arrive early at the airport
• Have backup plans including alternative airlines or routes
• Pack essentials in carry-on luggage
• Stay Informed through airline communications and news updates

Long-term Implications

Frequent strikes can have lasting effects on:

• Airline reputation and customer loyalty
• Operational efficiency and schedule reliability
• Industry relations between management and unions
• Passenger confidence in affected carriers

Getting Help with Your Claim

If Lufthansa or other airlines deny your compensation claim:

• Review the denial reason carefully
• Provide additional evidence if requested
• Escalate to aviation authorities if necessary
• Consider professional help from claims specialists

For more information about your passenger rights, please read our frequently asked questions.

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