SAS strike compensation in the EU/UK.
Are you eligible to it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Many people are unaware that strikes are not always classified as extraordinary circumstances. Specifically, if there is a strike by SAS staff (and not airport staff) that results in a flight delay or cancellation, passengers may be eligible for flight compensation from SAS. This rule applies to all qualifying flights and passengers. Also passengers may have the right to receive care.
You can claim compensation yourself or work with a flight compensation company.
1. SAS Strike Compensation
To be eligible for SAS strike compensation, the rules are straightforward.
It must be either a flight delay or flight cancellation:
- The flight delay must be a minimum of 3 hours, measured from the moment the airplane doors are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark. If the delay is 3 or more hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, passengers may qualify for flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation must be last-minute. That includes all SAS flights cancelled up to 14 days before the day of departure. In all of these situations, you might be entitled to SAS flight cancellation compensation (not only SAS cancellation refund).
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
See our guide to SAS missed connection compensation. In short – the rules are the same as with flight delays, you have to look at how much later, when compared to original arrival time, you have reached the destination (in this case, SAS gives you a new flight for free).
The rules apply to all SAS flights to, within and from Europe.
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.
Read more: Your SAS Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances
Airline staff strikes aren’t extraordinary circumstances.
Airline staff strikes, as well as technical problems with the airplane and staff shortages, do not fall under the category of extraordinary circumstances (unavoidable occurrences). Nevertheless, if you contact the airline directly to inquire about a significant delay or last-minute cancellation, they may attribute it to extraordinary circumstances, even though the reason for delay or cancellation was not an extraordinary circumstance.
Airlines have a preference for extraordinary circumstances because it relieves them of the obligation to pay flight compensation. Consequently, airlines may state that a flight delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even if this was not the case. By doing so, airlines can avoid paying compensation and mitigate financial losses.
Therefore, it is important to take this into consideration and verify any information provided to you. It’s a good idea to double-check everything when it comes to flight compensations and refunds.
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever you have to wait longer than planned, you have a right to care.
This means that you are entitled to receive certain services for free. For instance, if you have to wait at the airport for three or more hours, you may be eligible for a complimentary meal and a beverage. If the delay extends beyond three hours and occurs during nighttime, you may also have the right to receive free accommodation and airport transfers.
As per the law, SAS is obligated to provide passengers with meals and beverages proportional to the waiting time. In case no assistance is being offered, approach SAS staff at the airport.
2. How to Claim SAS Strike Compensation?
You can file for EU flight compensation in two ways.
One option is to directly reach out to SAS. Visit their website and connect with their customer support team to request compensation for your delayed or canceled flight. Keep in mind that the process may take several months, and you may need to negotiate to reach a satisfactory outcome.
You can also take the easiest path — legal representation.
If you prefer a hassle-free approach, you can opt for legal representation. A European flight compensation company can handle everything on your behalf, and you will only need to complete one form – the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services.
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.
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
Claiming compensation usually takes a minimum of a 2-3 months.
On average, with SAS, the process takes around three months. If the airline is uncooperative and legal action becomes necessary, the process may take at least twice as long.
It’s not a fast process, so don’t be surprised if it takes time.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
The compensation amounts are fixed and range from €250 to €600.
These amounts are regulated by the EU regulations. The same applies to flight delays and cancelations, and also to “strike compensations”.
Here is how you can calculate the amount of SAS 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 SAS Voucher Refund or Cash?
In some cases, instead of compensation, you may be offered a SAS voucher. This practice became common during the COVID crisis, but many airlines have been offering vouchers for a long time, as it is cheaper for them than issuing cash refunds.
However, you have the right to refuse a voucher and request a cash or bank transfer refund instead. It is essential to note that airline compensation and refunds must be provided in cash or bank transfer, and you should always insist on receiving it in this form.
SAS Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was super cheap. It was a last-minute deal. Can I get compensation from SAS?
Yes, because the price doesn’t matter.
The price of your ticket has no influence on this. If you are entitled to 600 euro compensation for delay, you will get 600 euro for delay, even if it was a very cheap ticket. The same rules apply also to low-cost airlines. They have to pay the same compensation like full-service airlines.
Do I need to have travel insurance for this?
No, you don’t. These are separate things.
You can claim delay compensation even if you don’t have a travel insurance. That’s actually one of the reasons why this law, this regulation — Regulation EC 261/2004, was created. It was created to protect all air passengers flying to and from Europe.
Can my kid get compensation from SAS?
Yes, 100%.
Thanks to the regulation we are talking about in this article, even infants can get compensation of up to 600 euro. In Europe, the rules are the same for all passengers.
Can I claim compensation for a friend?
Yes, you can.
You don’t even have to have a flight ticket yourself.
The only thing your friend will have to do is to give you all the paperwork (passport copy, boarding pass, etc.). And if you are doing this via a flight compensation company, your friend or relative will also have to sign any documents SAS and the company may ask to sign in order proceed.
How far back can I claim flight compensation?
It depends on the local laws of the country.
If you are flying from the EU, mostly you can claim SAS compensation also for 2-3 years old flights. At the same time, whenever possible, we would urge you to act as soon as possible. The sooner you do it, the higher chances of successful outcome and less problems.
What to do if SAS is refusing compensation claim?
SAS is refusing compensation claim even though you are entitled to it.
Try to contact the national enforcement body of the country your flight was from. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU countries. If your flight departed from a third country, contact the NEB of your destination country. Alternatively, hand the case over to a flight compensation company — and let the professions do the job on your behalf.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If you’re flying with SAS then yes, absolutely.
SAS is considered a European airline. Accordingly, you are protected on all their flights from and also to the EU, UK and EEA. You are basically protected on all their flights.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
With SAS you can.
You can and you should be making a claim.
I am not a European citizen. Can I get SAS compensation?
Yes, these laws protect everyone.
Your nationality doesn’t matter at all.
Other Situations
SAS provided me with a free hotel room and / or a free flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the disruption?
Yes, you can.
Because, in Europe, you are entitled to both right to care and a new flight to your destination. The airline has to provide both whenever it’s due. That’s the rules in the EU, UK and EEA countries. Receiving the care doesn’t affect your chances of receiving the flight compensation.
SAS took me to my destination. It was later, but I got there. Can I still get compensation?
You might get compensation for delay.
There are two things you should be paying attention to. Was it at least 3 hours later than planned? Was it due to SAS problems, SAS fault? If you answered yes to both, then yes — you can get compensation for delay. You have a right to compensation (of up to €600 per passenger).
Have you ever had an experience with SAS strike compensation or refund? Did SAS pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about SAS compensation policies? Ask in the comments.