Understanding Your Rights with TAP Air Portugal Strikes

If your travel plans were disrupted due to TAP Air Portugal strikes, you might be eligible for compensation. Whether it was a flight delay, cancellation, or overbooking, the European Union's regulation EC 261 ensures that passengers receive fair treatment and potential compensation for the inconvenience caused.

Regulation EC 261 applies to all flights departing from an EU airport and to flights arriving at an EU airport if operated by TAP Air Portugal. The compensation can cover various inconveniences, including significant delays, last-minute cancellations, and being denied boarding due to overbooking.

Compensation for TAP Air Portugal Strikes

Although worker strikes do not occur regularly in the airline industry, they are a reality, and TAP Air Portugal is no exception. Inevitably, they can lead to significant disruptions, causing delays and cancellations that affect thousands of passengers. Understanding your rights during these events can help ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

When are strikes covered for compensation?

Under the European regulation EC 261, passengers are entitled to compensation for flight disruptions caused by circumstances within the airline's control. This includes strikes by airline staff, such as pilots, cabin crew, and ground personnel. However, it's important to note that airport staff or air traffic control strikes are generally considered extraordinary circumstances and do not qualify for compensation.

What compensation can you claim?

If your flight with TAP Air Portugal is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled due to a TAP Air Portugal strike, you may be entitled to compensation. The compensation amount depends on the flight distance:

• Short-haul flights (up to 932 miles): £220

• Medium-haul flights (932 to 2,175 miles): £350

• Long-haul flights (over 2,175 miles): £520

These compensations are in accordance with the European Union's regulation EC 261, which protects passengers' rights in cases of significant delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Additional entitlements

In addition to financial compensation, if your flight with TAP Air Portugal is delayed due to strikes or any other reasons, the airline must provide certain extra customer services, including:

• Meals and refreshments: Provided during the delay to keep passengers comfortable.

• Accommodation: If an overnight stay is required, TAP Air Portugal must provide hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport.

• Communication: The airline should offer access to two free telephone calls, emails, or faxes to keep passengers connected.

By understanding your rights and the entitlements provided under regulation EC 261, you can ensure you receive the appropriate compensation and assistance if you experience TAP Air Portugal delays or cancellations due to strikes.

If you experience a flight disruption due to a TAP Air Portugal strike, you may be entitled to compensation. Follow these steps to claim your compensation effectively:

1. Document the disruption: Keep all relevant documents, including your boarding pass, tickets, and any communication from TAP Air Portugal about the strike. This documentation is crucial for substantiating your claim.

2. Request a written confirmation: To provide additional proof for your claim, try to obtain a written statement from TAP Air Portugal detailing the reason for the disruption. This can help strengthen your case when seeking compensation.

3. Submit your claim: You can submit your claim directly to TAP Air Portugal through their customer service channels or website. Alternatively, you can use a service like AirHelp, which specializes in managing such claims, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve without the hassle. These services can simplify the process and increase the likelihood of a successful claim.

When a TAP Air Portugal strike is announced, staying informed is crucial. Here’s what you can expect and how to manage the situation:

• Check flight status regularly: Stay updated on your flight status through TAP Air Portugal’s website or app. Sign up for notifications to receive real-time updates about any changes or disruptions caused by the strike.

• Rebooking and refunds: If your flight is affected by the strike, TAP Air Portugal will typically offer options for rebooking on an alternative flight. If rebooking does not suit your plans, you can also request a full refund for your ticket.

• Additional assistance: During a strike, the airline is still obligated to provide assistance to affected passengers. This includes meals and refreshments during delays, accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary, and access to communication options such as free telephone calls, emails, or faxes.

Understanding your rights and the procedures for claiming compensation can help you navigate the challenges posed by a TAP Air Portugal strike and ensure you receive the support and compensation you are entitled to.

Recent developments and updates

Like many airlines, TAP Air Portugal has experienced several strikes in recent years. These have ranged from pilot strikes to cabin crew and ground staff walkouts. Each situation is unique, and the airline's response may vary. Staying updated through reliable sources, such as the TAP Air Portugal website or news outlets, can help you manage your travel plans more effectively.

TAP Air Portugal cancellations

According to EC 261, if your flight with TAP Air Portugal is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you could be entitled to up to £520 in compensation. This regulation applies to flights departing from an EU airport or arriving in the EU with an EU-based airline like TAP Air Portugal. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance:

• Short-haul flights (up to 932 miles): £220

• Medium-haul flights (932 to 2,175 miles): £350

• Long-haul flights (over 2,175 miles): £520

Maximizing your claim

To maximize your claim for compensation due to a TAP Air Portugal strike or flight cancellations, follow these steps:

1. Keep all travel documents: Ensure you keep all relevant travel documents, including your boarding pass, tickets, and any communication from TAP Air Portugal regarding the flight cancellation.

2. Document additional expenses: Keep receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay or cancellation, such as meals, accommodation, and transportation. These can be used to claim reimbursement from the airline.

3. Request a written statement: Ask TAP Air Portugal for a written statement detailing the reason for the disruption. This can provide additional proof to support your compensation claim.

4. Submit your claim: You can submit your compensation claim directly to TAP Air Portugal through their customer service channels or website. Ensure you provide all necessary documentation and clearly state the reason for your claim. Alternatively, you can use AirHelp to handle your claim and manage the entire process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve without the hassle.

Overbooking

Overbooking is a common issue that airlines practice to ensure full flights. 

However, if you are denied boarding due to overbooking, TAP Air Portugal is required to compensate you for the inconvenience caused. The compensation can be up to £520, depending on the distance of your flight. Additionally, you should be offered an alternative flight or a full-ticket refund.

Luggage issues

Lost, delayed, or damaged luggage can be frustrating, but under the Montreal Convention, you are entitled to claim compensation for any issues related to your luggage. 

Therefore, ensure you report any luggage problems immediately at the airport and keep a copy of the Property Irregularity Report (PIR). As long as you keep all the relevant information, you should be able to get the compensation you deserve.

How to claim compensation

Claiming compensation for flight disruptions with TAP Air Portugal can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

• Check eligibility: Use AirHelp's free eligibility checker to see if your flight qualifies for compensation.

• Gather documentation: Collect all relevant documents, such as boarding passes, tickets, and receipts.

• Submit a claim: File your claim through AirHelp's website. We handle the process, including any necessary communication with the airline.

If you feel overwhelmed by the process of filing a compensation claim, AirHelp can assist. We specialise in air passenger rights and have a proven record of helping air travellers get compensated. With AirHelp's promise of "no win, no fee," there are no risks; you only pay if we successfully secure your compensation.

What if my TAP Air Portugal flight was delayed due to a strike?

You might be eligible for compensation if the airline's staff causes the strike. However, strike actions outside the airline's control, such as by airport staff or air traffic controllers, typically do not qualify.

How long after a flight delay can I claim compensation from TAP Air Portugal?

You generally have up to three years from the date of the disruption to file a claim, though this can vary by country.

Which supporting documents do I need to claim compensation?

Keep your boarding pass, ticket, and any receipts for expenses incurred due to the disruption. A written statement from the airline about the cause of the delay or cancellation can also be helpful.

Can I claim compensation for a missed connection due to a TAP Air Portugal flight delay?

If the missed connection causes you to arrive at your final destination more than three hours late, you may be entitled to compensation.

How much compensation can I get for a TAP Air Portugal flight delay?

The compensation can be up to £520, depending on the delay duration and the flight distance.