AirBaltic Strike Compensation

AirBaltic strike compensation in Europe.

Are you eligible to it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?

Most passengers are uninformed that strikes don’t always fall under extraordinary circumstances. If the strike involves airBaltic staff (and not airport staff) and it leads to flight delays or cancellations, passengers might have rights to claim compensation from airBaltic. This stands true for all eligible flights and passengers. In addition to this, passengers are also eligible to receive care.

You can either make the claim yourself or employ the services of a flight compensation company.

1. AirBaltic Strike Compensation

The criteria to qualify for airBaltic strike compensation are pretty simple.

The flight should have either been delayed or cancelled:

• If the flight delay is for at least 3 hours, calculated from the time the airplane doors open at the destination allowing passengers to exit the plane. If the delay is 3 hours or more beyond the planned arrival time, passengers might be eligible for flight delay compensation.
• If the flight cancellation is sudden (considered as a last-minute flight cancellation). This includes all airBaltic flights that get cancelled up to 14 days before the scheduled departure date. In all such scenarios, you might be eligible to claim airBaltic flight cancellation compensation (not just airBaltic refund for cancellation).

Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?

If your airBaltic flight is delayed or cancelled, and you think you might miss a connecting flight, check out our guide on airBaltic missed connection compensation. The rules for compensation are the same as for flight delays. You’ll need to see how much later you reached your destination compared to your original arrival time.

AirBaltic is obligated to provide a free replacement flight to help you reach your destination. This is a requirement that all airlines operating in Europe have to follow.

Essentially, it’s not a specific compensation for airBaltic strikes (such compensations are not recognized in Europe), but it’s mainly compensation for delays or cancellations.

These rules are applicable to all airBaltic flights within, to 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

Bear in mind that strikes by airline staff are not considered extraordinary circumstances.

Just like technical problems and lack of staff are not seen as extraordinary circumstances.

However, airlines might claim that a delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even when it was not to avoid compensating passengers. This is because they prefer extraordinary circumstances since it exempts them from paying compensation. Hence, it is suggested to double-check the information given by the airline before accepting it.

It is advisable to cross-verify all details about flight compensation and refunds.

Read more:

• Is Your airBaltic Refund Taking Longer Than Anticipated? Here’s What To Do
• Your airBaltic Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?

1.2 Right to Care

When you have to wait longer than anticipated, you have a right to care.

This entitles you to certain complimentary services. For instance, if you are waiting at the airport for three or more hours, you might qualify for a complimentary meal and beverage. Additionally, if the delay extends over three hours during the night, you could be entitled to free accommodation and free airport transfers.

As per the law, airBaltic must provide these services to passengers based on the duration of their wait. If you haven’t received any assistance, please approach the airBaltic staff at the airport.

2. How to Claim airBaltic Strike Compensation?

There are two ways to apply for EU flight compensation.

To claim compensation for an airBaltic strike on your own, you can directly contact airBaltic through their website and apply for compensation via their customer service team. However, it’s crucial to note that this process can take several months and might involve negotiation to attain a satisfactory result.

Another simpler option is — legal help.

If you want to avoid any hassles, you can choose to take legal assistance. There are companies in Europe that specialize in compensation for flight-related problems and they can handle everything for you. Mostly, just need to fill out one form, the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services.

Read more: How to Claim airBaltic Compensation?

2.1 How Long Does It Take?

What is the average time you can expect to wait for compensation?

The process usually takes a minimum of 2-3 months. There have been more cases in recent times where the process takes longer, especially if you file a claim yourself and the airline decides to ignore your claim. That’s what we have been hearing a lot from our customers.

The process isn’t quick, so don’t be surprised if it takes a while.

3. How Much Can You Claim?

The compensation amounts for airBaltic are determined by the EU regulations and in most cases range from €250 to €600 per passenger.

Each case is unique and the compensation amount largely depends on the distance of your flight and the total delay time. These fixed amounts are applicable to all airBaltic flights operating within, to, and from Europe, which basically means – all airBaltic flights.

Here is how you can calculate the amount of your airBaltic compensation:

When your destination is within the EU/UK:

When your destination is outside the EU/UK:

3.1 airBaltic Voucher Refund or Cash?

It is not uncommon for airlines, including airBaltic, to offer compensation in the form of vouchers.

This practice is often more cost-effective for the airline than providing cash refunds or compensation. However, as a passenger, you have the right to decline the airBaltic voucher and request a refund or compensation in cash, or by bank transfer instead. The EU law mandates that airline compensation and refunds should be in cash or by bank transfer, so always ensure to request it in this form.

AirBaltic Strike Compensation: FAQ

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

Other Situations

Have you ever had an experience with airBaltic strike compensation or refund? Did airBaltic pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about airBaltic compensation policies? Ask in the comments.