Understanding Finnair strike compensation in the EU.
Is it applicable to you? What’s the compensation amount? What are the rules?
Many passengers are not aware that not all strikes are deemed extraordinary situations. If Finnair’s own personnel (not airport staff) strike, leading to flight delays or last-minute cancellations, travelers may be eligible for strike compensation from Finnair. All eligible flights and passengers are covered by this. Besides, passengers have a right to care.
You can claim this compensation yourself or work with a flight compensation company.
1. Finnair Strike Compensation
The criteria for claiming Finnair strike compensation are simple.
The flight must either be delayed or cancelled:
- The delay must be at least 3 hours, calculated from the time the plane doors open at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark. If the delay is 3 or more hours past the planned arrival time, passengers could be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation should be last-minute. If your Finnair flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the departure date, it’s considered a last-minute cancellation. In such instances, you might be eligible for Finnair flight cancellation compensation (not just Finnair refund for cancellation).
As you can see, it’s not a specific compensation for Finnair strikes (such compensations don’t exist in Europe), but rather a compensation for delays or cancellations.
These rules are applicable to all Finnair flights going to, within, and from Europe.
All airlines based in Europe have to adhere to the same laws.
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to this delay/cancellation?
Finnair is obliged to offer a free alternative flight to ensure you reach your destination. The rules for missed connecting flight compensation are the same as for flight delays. You’ll need to see how much later you reached your destination compared to your original (shceduled) arrival time.
For more info, check out our guide on Finnair missed connection compensation.
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 extraordinary circumstances.
Just like technical problems and staff shortages are not extraordinary situations.
However, airlines can sometimes use extraordinary circumstances as an excuse for a delay or cancellation when it’s not really the case. It is best to reach out directly to the airline for clarification in case of a flight delay or cancellation.
Airlines may falsely claim that a flight delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances in order to avoid paying compensation. This is due to the fact that airlines prefer extraordinary circumstances as it frees them from the responsibility of compensation. Therefore, always cross-verify the information provided by the airline before accepting it. It is suggested to thoroughly check all details related to flight compensation and refunds.
If your flight is disrupted due to a staff strike, you can get Finnair strike compensation.
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever there is a longer wait than expected, you have a right to care.
This gives you access to specific free services. For instance, if you have to wait at the airport for three hours or more, you might be entitled to a complimentary meal and drink. If the delay is longer than three hours during the night, you could be eligible for free accommodation and airport transfers.
As per the law, Finnair must provide meals and drinks to passengers based on their waiting time. If you haven’t received any help, please reach out to Finnair staff at the airport.
2. How to Claim Finnair Strike Compensation?
There are two methods to apply for EU flight compensation.
To claim compensation for a Finnair strike yourself, you can reach out to Finnair directly by visiting their website and asking for compensation through their customer service team. However, keep in mind that the process can take several months and you may need to negotiate to get a satisfactory resolution.
Alternatively, you can opt for the hassle-free path — legal representation.
If you don’t want to deal with any complications, you can opt for legal assistance to resolve your issue. There are firms in Europe that specialize in compensation for flight-related problems and they can handle everything on your behalf. You only need to fill out one form, the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more:
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What is the estimated duration to receive compensation?
The procedure usually takes a minimum of 2-3 months. Lately, there have been more cases where the process takes longer, particularly if you file a claim independently and the airline chooses to ignore your claim.
It’s not a swift process, so don’t be taken aback if it takes time.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
The compensation amounts for Finnair flights are fixed and range from €250 to €600.
These amounts are established by EU regulations.
Here is how you can calculate the amount of your Finnair 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 Finnair Voucher Refund or Cash?
Finnair, like many airlines, might offer vouchers as compensation.
This is a customary practice in the airline industry, as it is more cost-effective for them than disbursing cash refunds and compensations.
However, you have the full right to refuse the voucher and demand a cash or bank transfer refund instead. Because according to EU law, airline compensations and refunds should be issued in cash or via bank transfer, and it is crucial to insist that it be provided in this way.
Finnair Strike Compensation: FAQ
My ticket was cheap. Can I get compensation for my cheap flight?
Yes, because the price of the ticket doesn’t matter.
As long as you are entitled to compensation. According to the EU laws, the ticket price doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation. If you are entitled to 600 euro compensation, you will get 600 euro, even if your ticket was very cheap.
Do I need to have travel insurance to claim compensation?
No, you don’t need travel insurance.
According to Regulation EC 261/2004, every passenger whose flight has been heavily delayed or cancelled, can get compensation. As long as it’s a delay of at least 3 hours, and it’s due to the fault of the airline. It doesn’t matter if you have insurance or not.
Can my child/baby get compensation from Finnair?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. If you are entitled to compensation of 600 euro, your child/baby will be, too. Even if your baby has a special infant ticket.
Your child will get the same amount.
Can I claim compensation for my friend or relative?
Yes, you can.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
You can file a compensation for your friend, family member or relative, as long as they provide you with their boarding pass and passport copy. Also they will have to sign all documents Finnair or the flight compensation company will ask to sign.
Other than that, yes, it’s OK to claim compensation another person.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In Europe you can claim compensation for old flights, too. Flights that were 2-3 years ago.
What to do if Finnair is refusing to pay compensation?
Finnair is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
How can you proceed? Is it even possible? Yes! There are two ways how you can continue working on your case. The best and easiest way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company and let them solve your case.
Alternatively, you may contact the respective national enforcement body and ask for help. 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 Finnair then yes, you can.
All Finnair flights are protected under the EU Regulations.
If you are entitled to compensation for this flight, you will get it.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If you’re flying with Finnair then yes, you can.
If you are entitled to compensation for this flight, you will get it.
I am not a citizen of EU/UK. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
The European regulations protect all passengers — tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
Other Situations
Finnair provided me with a free hotel room and a free flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the delay?
Yes.
You are entitled to all of it.
As long as your flight was overbooked, delayed for 3+ hours or cancelled last minute due to the fault of the airline, you are entitled to compensation. Even if you have received free services from the airline (such as free flight and hotel stay).
Finnair took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
If you arrived 3 or more hours later than scheduled, and the delay/cancellation was due to the fault of the airline, you can get compensation. Even if you were given a new flight ticket to your destination.
Do you still have questions about Finnair strike compensation policies? Ask in the comments.