You’re excited to start your journey when you suddenly hear rumors that TAP is threatening to go on strike. You begin to scramble, trying to decide if and when to cancel or rearrange your travel plans. Have you been there?
This guide will help you make more sound decisions when you hear about potential TAP Air Portugal strikes. You’ll learn about the airline’s recent strike history, your passenger rights, and the rules about cancelling or changing flights preemptively.
Your Rights as a TAP Air Portugal Passenger
In the European Union, your rights are protected by Regulation EU261/2004. These rules protect you when you have a flight disruption, as long as the airline is responsible.
For example, if TAP airline employees announce a strike on a certain date, the airline has the opportunity to avoid flight disruptions through successful negotiations. So, if a strike actually happens, then the airline is at fault and passengers will be repaid for the inconvenience if they have a 3-hour delay or cancellation within 2 weeks of departure.
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How Often Does TAP Air Have Strikes?
There are actual strikes and threatened strikes. As with other airlines, TAP has had several announced strikes that were resolved before the deadline, sparing the grief of an untold number of passengers. Nonetheless, threatened work stoppages can still lead to cancellations as the airline tries to mitigate the damage.
The table below will give you an idea of some strikes carried out by TAP employees.
Event | Details |
December 8-9, 2022 Cabin Crew Strike | TAP's cabin crew went on a two-day strike that resulted in 360 flights to be cancelled. Source: https://www.aviation24.be |
March 28 – July 30, 2024 Ground Staff Overtime Strike | Ground staff went on strike due to delayed salary increases. Although it lasted months, only a few flights were disrupted. Source: https://www.theportugalnews.com |
Making Changes to Your Booking Ahead of a TAP Strike
If you’re scheduled to fly during the proposed work stoppage, and you’re wondering about whether you can rearrange your ticket, here’s what you need to know.
Cancelling Your TAP Flight
If you have a refundable ticket, then you can cancel or make changes to your itinerary as you normally would in accordance with TAP’s policies.
If you have a non-refundable ticket, you should contact TAP customer service. Most of the time they will allow some flexibility for changes when a strike has been announced.
If TAP cancels your flight, you are entitled to a rebooking free of charge OR a full refund regardless of your ticket type.
Getting Paid for the Inconvenience of Disrupted Flights
If you have delays or cancelled flights as a result of a TAP employee strike, you are owed financial compensation.
For delays that last longer than 3 hours and for cancellations within 2 weeks of departure, you could claim as much as 600 EUR per passenger as per the rules of Regulations 261/2004.
How to Prepare for a TAP Strike
- Sign up for TAP alerts to get up-to-date email and SMS notifications about changes to your booking.
- Check the official website’s Alert Page regularly.
- Download TAP’s mobile app. Not only will you get notifications about flight changes, but you can also use it to manage your itinerary.
- Check the refund policy of your ticket so you can plan accordingly.
- Pack smart. Remember that you have a greater chance of delays, so carry essentials in your hand luggage.
When Your Trip is Underway
If your journey has already begun and you’re stuck at an airport for at least 2 hours because of an active strike, TAP must provide you with meals and refreshments. You should get these things no matter who is on strike.
You can also get free hotel accommodation if your flight is delayed until the following day, as long as the delay is caused by a TAP Air employee strike.
If you aren’t given these things free-of-charge, keep track of your receipts so you can submit them to the airline for reimbursement.
Finally, don’t be afraid to politely remind airline staff of your EU passenger rights if they’re not forthcoming with these things.
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