Finnair Airline Strike Compensation: Know Your Rights

Like any disruptive event involving flights, strikes can wreak havoc with your travel plans, causing delays and cancellations. If your Finnair flight has been affected by a strike, you may be entitled to compensation for the inconvenience. Understanding those rights can help ensure you get what you're owed. This guide will cover key aspects such as compensation eligibility, the claim process, and how AirHelp can assist you.

Understanding Finnair flights strike compensation

Finnair strike action can involve various staff members, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. These strikes often lead to significant disruptions, including Finnair delayed flights and Finnair cancelled flights, causing inconvenience for passengers. 

What compensation can you claim?

Under European Union regulation EC 261, you might be eligible for compensation if your flight is affected by a Finnair strike. This regulation ensures that passengers receive fair treatment and compensation for delays and cancellations, helping to mitigate the impact of such disruptions on their travel plans. The compensation amount is not fixed but varies based on several factors, including the distance of your flight and the extent of the delay. 

For instance, if you are on a short-haul flight covering distances up to 932 miles, you could receive up to £220. This amount increases for medium-haul flights, covering distances between 932 and 2,175 miles, where you could be entitled to up to £350. Long-haul flights, which exceed 2,175 miles, offer the highest compensation, potentially reaching up to £520.

Compensation aims to cover the inconvenience and potential expenses incurred due to the disruption. It is designed to relieve the frustration and potential financial loss caused by significant delays or cancellations. Understanding these policies manages passengers' expectations and ensures they are adequately compensated for the time and inconvenience experienced during travel disruptions. 

Knowing these details can also guide you in making a claim and ensuring that you receive the maximum amount you are entitled to based on your situation.

To be eligible for compensation due to disruptions caused by a Finnair strike, your flight must meet specific criteria under EC 261:

• Flight location: Your flight must either depart from an EU airport or arrive at an EU airport on an EU airline, such as Finnair.

• Delay duration: Your flight must be delayed by more than three hours upon arrival.

• Cancellation notice: The notice period provided by the airline is also crucial. If Finnair informed you of the cancellation less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, you might be entitled to compensation. If notified more than 14 days in advance, compensation eligibility is reduced.

Steps to claim compensation for strikes affecting Finnair flights

If your Finnair flight was delayed or cancelled due to a strike, follow these steps to claim compensation:

1. Keep all documents: Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from Finnair about the disruption.

2. Request written confirmation: Ask Finnair staff for written confirmation detailing the reason for the disruption. This will strengthen your claim.

3. Document arrival times: Note the actual arrival time and compare it with the original scheduled arrival time to demonstrate the delay duration.

4. Submit your claim: File your compensation claim directly with Finnair through their customer service channels or website. Alternatively, you can use a service like AirHelp to handle the process on your behalf.

By following these steps and understanding your rights under EC 261, you can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for Finnair delayed flights and Finnair cancelled flights caused by strikes.

How AirHelp can assist you

AirHelp simplifies this process by managing your claim from start to finish. Our team of experts ensures your claim is accurate and complete, handling all the paperwork and communicating with Finnair. With our "no-win, no-fee" policy, you only pay a fee if the airline successfully compensates you.

Flight Delays

If your flight is delayed for more than three hours due to a Finnair strike, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261. Additionally, Finnair is required to provide the following assistance during the delay:

• Refreshments: Provided after a few hours of delay to ensure passenger comfort.

• Accommodation: Arranged if the delay extends overnight, including transport to and from the accommodation.

• Alternative transportation: Offered if the delay is significant, ensuring you reach your destination as soon as possible.

Flight cancellations

In the event of a Finnair flight cancellation, the airline must offer you either a full refund or an alternative flight to your destination. 

You may also be entitled to compensation if Finnair informed you of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure and the alternative flight does not meet specific timing criteria compared to your original flight. The compensation amounts vary based on the flight distance and the inconvenience caused.

Denied boarding

In cases of overbooking, if you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation under EC 261, as well as immediate assistance from Finnair, which includes:

• Meals and refreshments: Provided during the waiting period.

• Communication facilities: Access to make phone calls or send emails.

• Alternative flight: Offered at the earliest opportunity or a full refund if you choose not to travel.

Luggage issues

If your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged during a Finnair flight, you can claim compensation under the Montreal Convention. To do so:

1. Report the issue immediately: Notify the Finnair baggage desk at the airport.

2. Document everything: Keep receipts for any essentials you had to buy due to the delay or damage.

3. Submit your claim within the stipulated time:

   • 7 days: For damaged luggage.

   • 21 days: For delayed luggage.