Are you entitled to LOT strike compensation in the EU?
What are the guidelines and how much can you receive?
It is worth noting that strikes are not always considered extraordinary circumstances. LOT may be obliged to provide flight compensation and care to affected passengers in the event of flight disruption caused by strikes of LOT staff. This covers all qualifying flights and passengers, and one may seek compensation on their own or with the assistance of a flight compensation firm.
1. LOT Strike Compensation
You may be entitled to LOT strike compensation.
It must be either a flight delay or flight cancellation:
- For a flight delay, the delay must be a minimum of 3 hours, measured from the moment the aircraft doors are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark. If the delay is 3 hours or more, passengers may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
- For a flight cancellation, it must be last-minute. Last-minute cancellation is when a flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the departure date. If your flight is cancelled last minute, you might be eligible for LOT flight cancellation compensation (not only LOT refund for cancellation).
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
If your LOT connecting flight is disrupted due to a delay or cancellation of the previous LOT flight, rest assured that the airline will book you on another connecting flight without charging any additional fees.
What about compensation? Refer to our guide on how to claim LOT missed connection compensation. The compensation rules for missed connections are the same as those for flight delays. Meaning, you have to see how much later you arrive, when compared to original arrival time.
The rules apply to all LOT 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.
1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances
Remember that airline staff strikes aren’t extraordinary circumstances.
According to European regulations, airline staff strikes, airplane technical issues, and staff shortages do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
However, airlines may use the argument of “extraordinary circumstances” to avoid providing compensation to passengers who have been affected by these events. This is because airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers when a flight is disrupted because of an extraordinary circumstance. And airlines often use false excuses to avoid financial loses.
Remember – airline staff strikes, airplane technical issues, and staff shortages aren’t extraordinary circumstances. Even if the airline claims they are. If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to any of these events, you may be entitled to compensation.
It’s crucial to keep this in mind and verify any information provided. When it comes to flight compensations and refunds, it’s advisable to double-check everything.
1.2 Right to Care
If you are stuck at the airport, you have a right to care.
In the event of a last-minute flight delay or cancellation that leaves you stranded at the airport, specific services must be provided to you without any cost. For instance, if your wait at the airport is three hours or more, you may be entitled to a complimentary meal and beverage. If the delay continues into the night, extending beyond three hours, LOT may also be obligated to offer you free accommodation and airport transfers.
If no assistance is offered, it is advisable to approach LOT staff at the airport for further support.
2. How to Claim LOT Strike Compensation?
Strike compensation is a type of EU flight compensation that applies to flight delays or cancellations. You have two options to claim it: you can either do it by yourself or work with a flight compensation company.
- If you choose to claim compensation independently, you should contact LOT customer support team through their website. Keep in mind that the process may take a few months, and you may have to negotiate for a satisfactory outcome.
- Or you can choose to work with a flight compensation company that provides legal representation. This approach is very convenient as the company will handle everything related to your claim. You simply need to fill out the compensation claim form. Our partners offer this service.
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:
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
How long does it take to receive compensation from the airline?
Generally, it takes 2-3 months at a minimum to claim compensation.
However, if the airline is uncooperative and legal action is necessary, it could take twice as long.
Since this process is not quick, anticipate some delay while claiming compensation.
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.
Here is how you can calculate the amount of your LOT strike 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 LOT Voucher Refund or Cash?
You might receive a LOT voucher instead of cash compensation.
However, you have the right to reject the voucher and request a refund or compensation in cash or through a bank transfer. According to EU laws, airline compensation and refunds should be provided in cash or via bank transfer, and you should always insist on receiving them in this form.
LOT Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was cheap. Can I still get compensation?
Yes, absolutely!
The price of the ticket won’t affect your compensation amount, nor it will affect your chances of getting compensation. If you are entitled to €600 compensation, you will get €600 euro, even if your ticket was very cheap. Remember — you are paid for the inconvenience.
Can I get compensation if I don’t have travel insurance?
Yes.
You don’t need travel insurance to claim flight compensation.
According to the EU laws, every passenger whose flight has been heavily delayed (3+ hours) due to the fault of the airline, can get compensation. It doesn’t matter if you have insurance or not.
Can a child/infant get compensation from LOT?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. Kids and babies can get compensation, too. Even infants who travel on a special infant ticket. If you are entitled to compensation, your child/baby will be too. They will get the same amount as you.
Can I claim compensation for another person?
Can I claim compensation for my friend, family member or relative?
Yes, you can. Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
Keep in mind that they will need to provide you with their boarding pass and passport copy. They will also have to sign any documents LOT or the flight compensation company may ask to sign.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In most cases, in Europe, you can claim compensation even for old flights. Flights that were 2 or even 3 years ago. However, for the best results, we would recommend you to make a claim as soon as you return from your trip.
What to do if LOT is denying my claim?
LOT is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
What to do in such a situation? The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company and let them handle it on your behalf.
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?
Are you flying with LOT?
Yes, you can.
You are protected under the law on all LOT flights. Because LOT is a European airline.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
When flying with LOT, yes, you can.
You are protected under the law on all LOT flights. Because LOT is a European airline.
I am not a EU citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
The Regulation 261/2004 protect all passengers — tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
Other Situations
LOT provided me with a free hotel stay and a free flight to my destination. Can I still get flight compensation from LOT?
Yes.
As long as you are entitled to compensation, you can get it. Even if you were given a free hotel stay and free flight to your destination. In this case, you are entitled to all of it — free hotel, free flight and compensation.
LOT took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
If you arrived at least 3 hours later than scheduled, and the delay was due to the fault of the airline, you can get compensation. Even if you were given a new ticket to your destination.
Do you still have questions about LOT strike compensation policies? Ask in the comments.