Croatia Airlines strike compensation.
Are you eligible? What benefits could you receive? What guidelines should you follow?
Numerous travellers are uninformed that strikes are not always categorised as extraordinary circumstances. If the strike involves the staff of Croatia Airlines (excluding airport staff) and leads to the delay or cancellation of flights, passengers might be eligible for flight compensation from Croatia Airlines. Passengers also have a right to care.
It’s possible to claim this compensation independently or use the services of a flight compensation company.
1. Croatia Airlines Strike Compensation
The criteria for Croatia Airlines strike compensation are clear.
For a flight to be eligible for compensation, it must be either delayed or cancelled:
- The delay of the flight should be a minimum of 3 hours, calculated from when the aeroplane doors open at the final destination, allowing passengers to leave the plane. A delay of 3 or more hours beyond the planned arrival time might entitle passengers to flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation must be sudden – 14 days or less before departure. Such flight cancellations are called “last-minute flight cancellations“. In such instances, you might be entitled to Croatia Airlines flight cancellation compensation (in addition to a Croatia Airlines refund for cancellation).
In simple terms, this isn’t specific compensation for Croatia Airlines strikes (such compensation doesn’t exist in Europe), but rather it’s compensation for delays or cancellations.
These rules are applicable to all Croatia Airlines flights to, within, and departing from Europe.
What if you miss your Croatia Airlines connecting flight due to flight delay or cancellation?
The airline is obliged to provide a free replacement flight to ensure you reach your destination. This is a responsibility all airlines operating in Europe must adhere to. You may be entitled to Croatia Airlines missed connection compensation too.
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
Regarding airline staff strikes, they are not considered extraordinary circumstances.
Equipment malfunctions, technical problems with airplane and staff deficiencies also are not considered extraordinary circumstances.
Airlines sometimes falsely attribute delays or cancellations to extraordinary circumstances. If you experience a delay or cancellation, it’s wise to contact the airline directly for clarification. Airlines may argue that the delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even if that’s not true, in order to avoid compensation. They prefer to use this reasoning because it absolves them of responsibility to pay.
Therefore, always verify the information provided by the airline before accepting their explanation.
Read more:
- Your Croatia Airlines Compensation Claim Is Rejected. Now What?
- Your Croatia Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
1.2 Right to Care
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you have a right to care.
This grants you access to certain complimentary services. For example, if your wait time at the airport surpasses three hours, you may be eligible for a free meal and drink. Moreover, if the delay spans more than three hours during the night, you may be entitled to a free hotel stay and transfer to and from the airport.
As per law, Croatia Airlines must accord these services to passengers based on their wait duration. If you haven’t received any assistance, please approach Croatia Airlines representatives at the airport.
2. How to Claim Croatia Airlines Strike Compensation?
How can you make a request for Croatia Airlines strike compensation?
There are two methods to apply for EU flight compensation.
To seek compensation for a Croatia Airlines strike yourself, you can reach out to Croatia Airlines directly by logging onto their website and applying for compensation via their customer support team. Keep in mind, however, that the process may be protracted and could require negotiating for a satisfactory resolution.
Legal representation is the alternative, easier way.
Should you prefer to avoid any hassle, you can opt for legal assistance to address your issue. There are firms in Europe that focus on securing compensation for flight-related complications, and they can handle all the details for you. You simply need to fill out one form, the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services. Details below.
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: How to Claim Croatia Airlines Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
When can I expect to receive compensation?
The process generally takes a minimum of 2-3 months. It has been noted that there are increasing instances where the process takes longer, especially if you file a claim independently and the airline decides to disregard your claim.
The process is not swift, so be prepared for it to take a while.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
How much is the Croatia Airlines strike compensation?
The monetary amount for compensation is standardised and falls within a spectrum of €250 to €600. This is defined by the governing EU regulations.
The following gives you a sense of how to determine the sum of your 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 Croatia Airlines Voucher Refund or Cash?
It is a frequent occurrence for airlines, including Croatia Airlines, to suggest vouchers as an alternative to compensation.
This is a common tactic employed by airlines as it proves more economical for them compared to dispensing cash refunds and compensation. However, passengers have the right to dismiss the voucher offer and demand a cash or bank transfer refund instead. The law in the EU mandates that airline compensation and refunds should be provided in cash or via bank transfer, hence, always insist on receiving it in this format.
Croatia Airlines Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was cheap. Will I be denied compensation because of that?
No. The price of the ticket doesn’t matter.
It doesn’t lover the chances of getting compensation. The price also doesn’t affect the compensation amount you are getting.
Do I need to have travel insurance in order to claim compensation?
No, you don’t.
You can claim compensation even if you don’t have insurance. According to the Regulation EC 261/2004, every passenger whose flight is eligible to compensation, can get compensated.
Can my child/baby get compensation from Croatia Airlines?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. Kids and babies can get compensation, too. Even infants who have a special infant ticket. If you are entitled to compensation (EU flight delay compensation / flight cancellation compensation / denied boarding compensation), your child/baby will be too.
Can I claim compensation for my friend, relative, family member?
Yes, you can.
You can claim compensation for another person, even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
As long as they provide you with a boarding pass and passport copy. They will also have to sign any documents Croatia Airlines or flight compensation company might ask to sign.
Can I get compensation for old flights?
How far back can I claim compensation?
What is the deadline? It depends on the laws of the country.
In many European countries, you can claim compensation even for old flights. If your disrupted flight was 2-3 years ago, you might still claim compensation for it.
What to do if Croatia Airlines is refusing to pay compensation?
Croatia Airlines is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
Can you still get compensation? You might. Just don’t stop trying. What are your options? The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company and let them finish the job.
Alternatively, you may contact the respective national enforcement body and ask them to help solve your case. 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?
Is it a Croatia Airlines flight?
Then yes, you can get compensation. As long as your flight is eligible.
According to the EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004, you are protected on all Croatia Airlines flights, including those which depart from countries outside the EU.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Yes, you can.
According to the EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004, you are protected on all Croatia Airlines flights.
I am not a EU/UK/EEA citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
The EU Regulation 261/2004 states, that all passengers are protected under the law. Both tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
Other Situations
Croatia Airlines booked me on a new flight free of charge, and provided me with a free hotel stay. Can I still get compensated for my disrupted flight?
Yes.
In Europe, passengers have a right to receive care + new flight from the airline. And if you’re eligible for compensation, it doesn’t affect your chances of receiving this compensation.
Croatia Airlines took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
Yes.
As long as your flight is eligible. If you accept a replacement flight, it won’t affect your chances of receiving compensation.
Have you ever had an experience with Croatia Airlines strike compensation or refund? Did Croatia Airlines pay the compensation in a timely manner? Do you still have questions about Croatia Airlines compensation policies? Ask in the comments.