Understanding Virgin Atlantic strike compensation in Europe.
Are you eligible to it? How much can you claim? What are the regulations?
Many passengers are not aware that not all strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances. If Virgin Atlantic’s own personnel (not airport staff) strike, leading to flight delays or cancellations, travelers may be eligible for compensation from Virgin Atlantic. All eligible flights and passengers are covered by this. Besides, passengers have a right to care.
You can claim this compensation yourself or work with a flight compensation company.
1. Virgin Atlantic Strike Compensation
The criteria for obtaining Virgin Atlantic strike compensation are clear-cut.
The flight must have either been delayed or cancelled:
- The flight delay should be a minimum of 3 hours, calculated from the moment the airplane doors are opened at the destination, letting passengers disembark. If the delay is 3 or more hours past the scheduled arrival time, passengers might be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- If it’s a flight cancellation, it should be last-minute. This includes all Virgin Atlantic flights cancelled up to 14 days before the departure date. In such situations, you might be eligible for Virgin Atlantic flight cancellation compensation (not only Virgin Atlantic refund for cancellation).
It’s not a specific compensation for Virgin Atlantic strikes (there’s no such compensation in Europe), but rather compensation for delays or cancellations.
These rules are applicable to all Virgin Atlantic flights to, within, and from Europe.
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
If your Virgin Atlantic flight experiences a delay or cancellation that may cause you to miss your connecting flight, you are protected. You will be booked on a new flight.
The compensation rules for missed connections are the same as those for flight delays. It is important to assess the difference in arrival times between your original schedule and your actual arrival at the destination.
We have a comprehensive guide on Virgin Atlantic missed connection compensation.
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
Bear in mind that strikes by airline staff are not considered extraordinary circumstances.
Just like technical faults and lack of staff are not extraordinary circumstances.
However, airlines might still use an extraordinary circumstance as an excuse for a delay or cancellation even when it’s not applicable. It is advisable to directly contact the airline for clarification in the case of a flight delay or cancellation.
Airlines may claim that a flight delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even when it was not, to avoid paying compensation. Since extraordinary circumstances absolve them of the responsibility to pay, airlines prefer it. Therefore, verifying the information provided by the airline before accepting it is advisable. It’s recommended to cross-check all information regarding flight compensation and refunds.
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever you have to wait longer than anticipated, you have a right to care.
You are entitled to certain complimentary services. For instance, if your wait at the airport exceeds three hours, you might qualify for a free meal and beverage. Moreover, if the delay lasts more than three hours during nighttime, you could be eligible for free accommodation and transfers to and from the airport.
By law, Virgin Atlantic must provide food and drinks to passengers depending on how long they have to wait. If you haven’t received any assistance, please talk to Virgin Atlantic’s staff at the airport.
2. How to Claim Virgin Atlantic Strike Compensation?
There are two ways to apply for EU flight compensation.
To claim Virgin Atlantic strike compensation independently, you can directly contact Virgin Atlantic by visiting their website and requesting compensation through their customer support team. However, it’s important to mention that the procedure might take several months, and negotiation may be necessary to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.
Alternatively, you can opt for the simplest path — legal representation.
If you don’t want to deal with any hassles, you can opt to get legal aid to resolve your issue. There are companies in Europe that specialise in compensation for flight-related problems, and they can handle everything for you. All you need to do is fill out 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.
Read more: How to Claim Virgin Atlantic Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What is the timeline for receiving compensation?
The process usually takes a minimum of 2-3 months. Lately, there have been more cases where the process takes longer, especially if you file a claim independently and the airline chooses to disregard your claim.
It’s not a quick process, so don’t be alarmed 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.
Here is how you can calculate the amount of your Virgin Atlantic 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 Virgin Atlantic Voucher Refund or Cash?
Many airlines offer vouchers instead of compensation.
This is a common practice among airlines, as it is cheaper for them than providing cash refunds and compensation. However, you have the right to decline the voucher and request a cash or bank transfer refund instead. Because airline compensation and refunds should be given in cash or bank transfer, and it is important to always ask for it to be provided this way. It is the law in the EU.
Virgin Atlantic Strike Compensation: FAQ
What if my flight was very cheap? Can I still get compensation?
Yes. It doesn’t matter how much did your flight cost.
It could be a 400 euro flight, or it could be a 20 euro flight. It doesn’t matter. If your flight was delayed for 3 or more hours, due to the fault of Virgin Atlantic, you can get compensation.
I don’t have travel insurance. Can I still get compensation?
Yes.
If your flight was delayed for 3 or more hours, due to the fault of Virgin Atlantic, you can get compensation. It doesn’t matter if you have insurance or not.
Can my kid get compensation from Virgin Atlantic?
Yes.
The age doesn’t matter. If your flight is disrupted due to the fault of the airline, and you are traveling with a child, you both can get compensation from Virgin Atlantic.
Even infants who have a special infant ticket can get compensation.
Can I claim compensation for another person?
Yes. Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
You can file a compensation for your friend, family member or relative, as long as they provide you with a boarding pass and passport copy. They will also have to sign any documents Virgin Atlantic may ask to sign.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the country.
In many countries in Europe, the deadline is 2 to 3 years. 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 Virgin Atlantic is refusing my claim?
What if Virgin Atlantic is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it? Is there any other way to get compensation? What to do in such a situation?
The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will continue to work with your case on your behalf. Alternatively, you may contact the respective national enforcement body and ask them to help with your case. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Regulation UK261, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Are you flying with Virgin Atlantic?
Then yes, you can. Even though Virgin Atlantic is a British airline. When your Virgin Atlantic flight is departing from a country outside the EU (including the UK), you are protected under the UK Regulation UK261. Otherwise, you are protected by the EU law (EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004).
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Is it a Virgin Atlantic flight?
Then yes, you can.
I am not a EU/UK citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
You don’t have to be European to receive compensation. Every passenger in the UK/EU is protected. No matter the age, nationality and price of the ticket.
Other Situations
Virgin Atlantic provided me with a free hotel stay and a free replacement flight. Can I still get flight compensation?
Yes.
Remember, you can still get compensation even if the airline provided you with services such as a free hotel stay and free flight.
As long as your flight was delayed for 3+ hours, cancelled last minute, or you were denied boarding. And that happened due to the fault of the airline.
Virgin Atlantic took me to my destination (provided a free ticket). Can I still get compensation?
Yes.
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. Remember, you can still get compensation even if the airline provided you with services such as a free hotel stay and free flight.
Do you still have questions about Virgin Atlantic strike compensation policies? Ask in the comments.