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Air France Strikes: Your Rights & How to Prepare

Joanna Teljeur
Written By Joanna Teljeur
Last Updated: February 14, 2025

While France has been one of the countries most prone to strikes, this isn’t the case with Air France. Over the years, the country has seen quite a few air traffic control and airport strikes, but these kinds of labour disputes don’t lead to the same passenger protections as those initiated by Air France employees. 

This guide will give you answers and explanations to the most pressing questions that arise when you hear that your travel plans might be impacted by an Air France strike. 

Understanding Air France Employee Strikes

Any time pilots, cabin crew, ground staff or other airline employees fail to negotiate with Air France management for better working conditions or pay, they will announce a strike. Calling a strike gives Air France the chance to do what it can to meet the demands of the workers. If an agreement can’t be reached by the proposed deadline, then a strike will happen.

When employees strike spontaneously, it is called a wildcat strike. When this happens, the airline doesn’t have the opportunity to avoid an actual work stoppage, so the event is considered an extraordinary circumstance.

warning

It’s important to know the difference between these kinds of strikes, because Air France must provide recompense for flight disruptions that they could have avoided. But let’s look more closely at your passenger rights.

Air France Strikes: Your Passenger Protections

The European Union protects passenger rights as seen in Regulation EU261/2004. These rules will protect you if your flight is affected by a known strike. Specifically, if you have delays or cancellations, you could collect as much as 600 EUR if you get to your final stop 3 or more hours late. If the strike is NOT announced, (a wildcat strike) then you will not be eligible for airline recompense. 

tip

If you face delays of 2 hours or more and you’re stranded at the airport, Air France must provide food, drink and hotel accommodation along with transport if you have to wait overnight.

If Air France Cancels Your Flight

If a strike is pending, or is already in progress, and your flight gets cancelled, you are entitled to a free rebooking OR a full refund. Your choice.

See if your delay or cancellation is eligible for airline repayment by entering your flight details below!Free Flight Check

Changing Your Air France Flight 

Passengers who discover their travel dates correspond with a strike will want to know how to rearrange their booking to avoid sudden disruptions. Here’s what you should know.

  1. You can cancel or change refundable tickets as you normally would according to airline policy.
  2. Non-refundable tickets, however, can only be cancelled or changed without fees if Air France allows passengers’ some flexibility because of the strike situation. 
  3. To do this, contact Air France and speak with them about how to make a change in light of a probable strike.
  4. If you are unable to change or cancel your ticket without incurring a fee, then you should wait until Air France cancels your booking. This way you will be offered either a new flight or a full refund.

How Often Does Air France Have Strikes?

As you can see from the table below, Air France doesn’t have very many strikes. In fact, prior to the two listed below, the last actual employee work stoppage took place back in 2014!

Event

Details

November 28, 2023

Air France Personnel Strike

Delays and cancellations transpired over the course of a several-hours-long strike at Paris-Orly Airport.

https://crisis24.garda.com

April 7, 2023

Salary Dispute Strike

This led to approximately 25% of Air France flights.

https://worldinparis.com

Tips to Prepare for an Air France Strike

  • If you hear a strike has been announced, begin regularly checking for updates on the Air France mobile app. You can also sign up for SMS and email notifications.
  • Check to see if your travel insurance provides any coverage for flight interruptions caused by an airline strike. Sometimes, the credit card you used to buy your ticket will offer some protection.
  • Always review the policy for changes and cancellations on your ticket to better understand the rules.
  • Pack smart. Remember that you have a greater chance of flight disruptions if a strike has been called, so bring essentials in your hand luggage to make the wait time easier.

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