Even though Brussels Airlines is relatively young, they have still had several employee labour disputes that have upended the travel plans of countless passengers. So, if you have plans to fly, what should you do if you hear that strike has been called?
This guide will walk you through the most important information you need to know as a ticketed passenger. By the end, you’ll understand your rights, what to expect, and tips to prepare for your journey.
Brussels Airlines Strikes: Your Passenger Rights
Under Regulation EU261/2004, airlines are required to provide for passengers if strikes lead to cancellations or delays. In short, if a strike has been called and your flight is interrupted, then you could be due up to 600 EUR.
These rules only apply to situations within the airline’s control, so 3rd party strikes (like airport or air traffic control) would not count, since Brussels Airways has no way of controlling those events.
How Brussels Airlines Must Help You
Based on the rules of the regulations, Brussels Airlines must provide you with repayment if you end up being 3 or more hours delayed. As well, they must offer meals and refreshment for delays of at least 2 hours at the airport and hotel accommodation for overnight delays - as long as the strike is being carried out by airline employees. If these things are not provided, remember to retain your receipts for reimbursement.
Also, if a strike has been announced, or if it’s already underway and your flight is cancelled as a result, then the airline must give you the choice of a rebooking OR a ticket refund.
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Flight Changes Before a Brussels Airlines Strike
When carriers know a strike is pending and may cause flight disruptions, they will alert passengers by email, SMS, or via the mobile app with some rebooking options. If what they offer doesn’t work for you, then you can choose a different booking at no extra cost.
- If you have a refundable ticket, you can make changes as you normally would, given the policies for your particular booking.
- If you have a non-refundable ticket, but you haven’t been contacted by the airline, you will have to check contact an agent to see if they allow any flexibility for changes or cancellations.
- If you cannot make changes without extra fees, then wait until Brussels Airlines cancels your flight so you can get a rebooking or a refund automatically.
Steps to Prepare for a Brussels Airlines Strike
- As soon as you learn that a strike has been called, start looking for updates on the Brussels Airlines mobile app or on the website.
- Sign up for SMS and email alerts, if you haven’t already.
- Check with your travel insurance or the credit card you used to purchase your ticket to see what they will cover for flights disrupted by labour disputes.
- Review the terms and conditions of your tickets so you have a better understanding of them.
- Pack essentials in your hand luggage to help you ride out delays in the airport.
Brussels Airlines Strike Timeline
Sometimes, you can get a better idea of what to expect in the future by looking at the past. This is true for airline strikes. Many times, airlines will have a work stoppage announced but then with further negotiations, it’s eventually called off. The following table will give you an idea of how Brussels Airlines’ strikes have played out in the last few years.
Date | Event | Details |
February 28 - March 1, 2024 | Cabin Crew Strike | Cabin crew went on strike over reduced rest times, pay concerns, and workplace harassment claims. About 20% of flights were canceled, primarily on European routes. Source: Reuters |
June 23-25, 2022 | Cabin Crew and Pilot Strike | This strike lasted 3 days and resulted in 315 cancelled flights and affecting roughly 40,000 passengers. The airline did find a way to operate about 40% of its flights by offering some passengers alternate travel within the Lufthansa Group. Sources: brusselstimes.com, aviation24.be |
December 20, 2021 | Pilots and Cabin Crew Strike | While the exact number of interrupted flights isn’t available, this strike led to many cancellations and affected countless passengers, as it took place just days before the busy Christmas travel season. Sources: crisis24.garda.com, brusselstimes.com, aviation24.be |
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