Strikes at Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn
Strikes at Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn
There are three strikes this week that will affect air and rail travel. The Agency for Passenger Rights (apf) informs travelers about their rights.
Rail strike in Germany
First things first - On Wednesday, 6 March 2024, from 6 p.m., the train drivers of the GDL union will be on strike in Germany. The strike will initially affect freight transport, and from 2 a.m. passenger transport will also be affected. Connections to and from Austria will be affected. Travelers have the following options in the event of train cancellations due to the rail strike:
Waiver of the onward journey and commencement of the return journey free of charge as well as a (pro rata) refund of the fare.
Continuation of the journey on the same or a different route at the next opportunity and under comparable conditions (e.g. long-distance coach travel instead of rail travel in the event of a strike)
Stay overnight in a hotel or take a cab if necessary.
In such cases, apf recommends proactively contacting the rail company before making any independent expenditure.
If the flight is delayed by 60 minutes or more, passengers are also entitled to meals and refreshments in an appropriate proportion.
Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa strike again
Lufthansa employees are striking from Thursday to Friday - up to 200,000 passengers are expected to be affected. This is already the third labor action within a few weeks at the German company.
At Austrian Airlines, on the other hand, 150 flights will be canceled on Friday. Despite the fact that, according to AUA, passengers have already been informed, they are entitled to the following benefits in such cases on the basis of the Passenger Rights Regulation:
reimbursement of the ticket price including taxes and fees
OR
the return flight to the place of departure at the earliest possible time
OR
alternative transportation to the destination under comparable conditions at no additional cost to the passenger (at the earliest possible date or, at the passenger's request, at a later date)
In such cases, passengers are also entitled to compensation payments, which depend on the route booked and can amount to up to EUR 600 per person.
for flights up to 1,500 km: 250 euros
for flights within the EU of 1,500 km or more: 400 euros
for flights from 1,500 km to 3,500 km (not within the EU): 400 euros
For flights over 3500 km (not within the EU): 600 euros
In addition, travelers must receive care services from a two-hour departure delay or waiting time for alternative transportation. This includes at least meals and drinks, but also hotel and transfer costs in the event of longer delays.
apf helps free of charge
If you are affected by a Deutsche Bahn, Austrian Airlines or Lufthansa strike due to a cancellation or delay, you will find a sample letter on our homepage with which you can assert your rights:
If you do not receive a satisfactory response or no response at all within six weeks, apf will help you assert your rights free of charge and commission-free. Simply fill out the online form atarbitration request and our experts will deal with your request.