General strikes in France - These are the passenger rights for those affected

A general strike in France severely disrupted public life at the weekend - buses, trains, road traffic and especially air travel were affected. For many travelers, this meant long waiting times, flight cancellations and great uncertainty.

Further work stoppages have already been announced for September 18 and 19, and air traffic controllers will strike in October. Air traffic to and from Austria is likely to be affected. The apf informs those affected about their passenger rights.

Compensation payments

On the basis of the EU Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 and the case law of the ECJ, a distinction must be made between strikes by an air carrier's own employees (e.g. flight crew) and strikes by employees of third parties who are not attributable to the air carrier (e.g. air traffic controllers).

In the event of strikes by an airline's own staff (e.g. ground staff, cabin crew or pilots), compensation payments are possible. These amount to between 250 and 600 euros per person, depending on the flight route.

Strikes by some third parties that are not attributable to the airline (e.g. air traffic controllers, security personnel) are generally considered to be "extraordinary circumstances". In this case, passengers are not entitled to compensation, as the airline is not a party to the industrial action and cannot influence or end the strike through its own actions.

These rights always apply - regardless of the cause

Regardless of whether an airline itself is on strike or external factors are responsible for a work stoppage, travelers have the right to:

Rebooking or refund

Air travelers can choose between:

- the refund of the ticket price (incl. taxes & fees),

- alternative transportation to the destination under comparable conditions and at no additional cost, or

- a free return flight to the point of departure.

Support services

If the delay exceeds two hours, the airline must provide appropriate food and drink.

For longer waiting times, hotel accommodation including transfer may also be required.

What should travelers who are affected by the general strike in France do?

- Check flight status: Call up the latest information in advance on the airlines' websites or in the apps.

- Arrive at the airport early: Large crowds at security checks and longer check-in times can cause additional delays.

- Keep an eye on alternative routesIf the airlines do not rebook to suitable connections, passengers can take action themselves and then claim the costs from the airlines.

- Be sure to keep invoicesIf you incur costs for meals or alternative means of transportation, keep receipts - only then can claims be made.

The Agency for Passenger Rights mediates free of charge if airlines refuse to fulfill their above-mentioned obligations - or if there is no response to a written complaint after six weeks.