Norwegian strike compensation in the EU/UK.
Are you eligible to it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?
You may not know this, but strikes are not always considered extraordinary circumstances. In the case of a strike by Norwegian staff causing a flight delay or cancellation, Norwegian may be required to provide flight compensation to affected passengers. This applies to all qualifying flights and travelers, along with the possibility of receiving care from the airline. You can apply for this compensation independently or with the help of a flight compensation company.
1. Norwegian Strike Compensation
You may be entitled to Norwegian strike compensation.
It must be either a flight delay or flight cancellation:
- Flight delay must at least 3 hours-long, measured from the moment the doors of the aircraft are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to deplane. If the delay is 3 or more hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, passengers may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
- Flight must be cancelled last-minute. Last-minute flight cancellation is when a flight is cancelled up to 14 days before departure date. In this situation, you might be entitled to Norwegian flight cancellation compensation (not only Norwegian refund for cancellation).
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
If you miss your Norwegian connecting flight due to disruption of the previous Norwegian flight, the airline will book you on another connecting flight free of charge.
What about compensation? See our guide to Norwegian missed connection compensation. In short – the rules are the same as with flight delays. Meaning, you have to see how much later you arrive, when compared to original arrival time.
The rules apply to all Norwegian flights to, within and from Europe.
Read more:
- Norwegian Compensation Claim Denied: What’s Next?
- Your Norwegian Refund Is Taking Forever? Here’s Your Plan of Action
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.
Strikes by airline staff, along with airplane technical issues and staff shortages, do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances. Despite this, airlines may still claim that such events are extraordinary circumstances. Because if a flight is delayed or cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, it relieves the airline of the obligation to pay flight compensation to the affected passengers.
That’s why airlines use such excuses to avoid paying compensation. Even if it’s against the law. By doing so, airlines can mitigate financial losses.
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
Whenever you have to wait longer than planned, you have a right to care.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled last-minute, and you are stuck at the airport because of this, certain services must be provided to you free of charge. For example, if your wait at the airport exceeds three hours, you may be entitled to a complimentary meal and beverage. If the delay extends beyond three hours and occurs at night, you may also be eligible for free accommodation and airport transfers.
Norwegian is required to offer passengers meals and drinks based on the waiting time.
If no assistance is provided, seek out Norwegian staff at the airport.
2. How to Claim Norwegian Strike Compensation?
Norwegian strike compensation is a EU flight compensation for flight delay or cancellation.
And you can file for EU flight compensation in two ways – either you can do it yourself or work with a flight compensation company.
1. Claiming compensation independently. If want to claim compensation for your delayed or canceled flight, you can contact Norwegian directly through their website and speak with their customer support team. However, be aware that the process may take a few months and you might need to negotiate for a satisfactory outcome.
2. Working with a flight compensation company (i.e., legal representation). This is a hassle-free approach. Such a company will handle everything on your behalf. You will only need to complete the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services, too. Details below.
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 Norwegian Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
The typical waiting period for claiming compensation is 2-3 months, at a minimum.
However, if the airline is uncooperative and legal action is required, it could take at least twice as long. Given that it is not a swift process, expect some delay while claiming compensation.
3. How Much Can You Claim for Norwegian Strike Caused Flight Delay or Cancellation?
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 Norwegian 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 Norwegian Voucher Refund or Cash?
Occasionally, you may be given a Norwegian voucher rather than compensation.
This practice has become more widespread during the COVID pandemic, but many airlines have been doing this for a long time as it is more cost-effective than providing cash refunds and compensations.
However, you have the option to decline the voucher and demand a cash or bank transfer refund or compensation instead. Keep in mind that airline compensation and refunds must be given in cash or bank transfer, and you should always insist on receiving them in this format.
Norwegian Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight cost €10. It was heavily delayed/cancelled due to the fault of the airline. Can I get compensation if the flight was so cheap?
Yes, because the price of the ticket doesn’t matter.
The price of your ticket doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation. Also it doesn’t affect the compensation amount you are getting. Remember — you are paid for the inconvenience.
Do I need to have travel insurance to claim compensation?
No, you don’t.
If your flight is heavily delayed or cancelled last-minute due to the fault of the airline, or you’ve been denied boarding, you might be entitled to compensation. It doesn’t matter if you have insurance, or not. You aren’t required to provide insurance papers in order to get compensation.
Can my child/baby get compensation from Norwegian?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. Kids and babies can get compensation, too. Even infants traveling with a special infant ticket.
If you are entitled to compensation, your child will be too.
Can I claim compensation for another person (friend, relative, family member)?
Yes, you can.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
You can make a compensation claim 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 Norwegian or the flight compensation company may ask to sign.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
But in most cases, European laws allow air travellers to claim compensation even for old flights. Flights that were 2-3 years ago.
What to do if Norwegian is refusing to pay compensation?
Norwegian is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
What to do in such a situation? How to proceed? If you want to try to proceed on your own, 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.
If you don’t want the hassle, you can hand over your case to a flight compensation company and let the professionals do their job.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s Norwegian you are flying with, then yes.
European regulations cover all Norwegian flights. Even those who depart from a country outside the European Union.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
European regulations cover all Norwegian flights. Even those who depart from a country outside the European Union.
I am not a European. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
All travellers are protected in the EU.
Other Situations
Norwegian provided me with a free hotel room and gave me a free ticket for the next available flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the delay?
Yes.
If your flight was heavily delayed or cancelled last-minute due to the fault of the airline, you can get compensation. Even if you received care + airline ticket from the airline.
Norwegian 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 Norwegian, you can get compensation. Even if you were given a new ticket to your destination. It doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation.
Have you ever had an experience with Norwegian strike compensation or refund? Did Norwegian pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about Norwegian compensation policies? Ask in the comments.