EasyJet flight warning ahead of Europe strikes this weekend
THERE’S bad news for passengers flying with easyJet to Italy this weekend.
On Saturday, unions representing easyJet’s pilots and flight attendants have announced a strike due to to take place between 1pm and 5pm.
easyJet operates daily departures across Italy in destinations like Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice and Rome Fiumicino.
Currently, easyJet says that there is only one return flight scheduled to and from the UK within the strike period which is currently set to operate as planned.
Another nine intra-EU flights are also within the strike period, but there are also plans in place to operate.
easyJet also told Sun Travel: “We have contingency plans in place so our flying programme to and from Italy is currently scheduled to operate as planned tomorrow.
“We will contact customers directly should their flight be affected.”
Naples Airport operator GESAC has warned of “possible delays and cancellations”, urging travellers to check the status of their flights.
The industrial action has been taken as a result of delays in talks over roster patterns, post-pandemic wage restoration and integration of the new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
A number of services could be grounded and the select time of the walkout is to maximise disruption.
SkyRefund has advised that if your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or re-routing to your destination.
If the airline cannot fly you out quickly, they should book you onto a flight with an alternative carrier.
Commenting on passenger rights, Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of flight compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: “Passengers should be aware that while airlines often cite strikes as ‘extraordinary circumstances’, industrial action by an airline’s own employees, such as this walk-out by easyJet pilots and cabin crew, is generally considered within the carrier’s control under UK and Under EU 261/2004 regulations.
“Because this strike stems from internal disputes over wages and rosters, it does not typically meet the criteria for an ‘unforeseeable’ event.
“If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, you aren’t just entitled to a seat on the next available flight; you are likely eligible for fixed financial compensation of up to £520 (€600) per person.”
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Here’s more information on what to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to a mystery ‘tech glitch’.
And these are the circumstances where you won’t get any compensation for a cancelled flight.