GROUNDED
Airline forced to cancel 1,000 flights – with as many as 120,000 passengers affected
And what you're entitled to if your flight is cancelled or delayed
PASSENGERS flying to and from a major European destination could have their flights cancelled over the next two days, with strikes set to cause problems.
A total of 1,000 flights are expected to be grounded, with as many as 120,000 people affected.
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Lufthansa cabin crew members have called a two-day strike on Tuesday and Wednesday this week in both Frankfurt and Munich, the UFO union announced on Saturday.
The strikes are a result of a pay dispute and were called just days after the airline announced record profits.
The strike will cover flights out of Frankfurt on Tuesday and from Munich on Wednesday, with Lufthansa's subsidiary CityLine also affected.
Lufthansa told Sun Online that it estimates 120,000 travellers will be hit by the stoppages.
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On Thursday, Lufthansa reported that 2023 profits doubled on booming demand, with a net profit of 1.67 billion euros (£1.42bn), substantially higher than a figure of 791 million euros in 2022.
That marked a second straight year of profits for the group -- whose carriers include Lufthansa, Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines -- after two years of losses due to the pandemic shutdowns.
UFO union leader Joachim Vazquez Buerger apologised for the disruption but said the crew deserved an increase reflective of their work to drive such profits.
He said: "On Thursday, the group announced a record result. The cabin crew have to be able to benefit from this success, and the efforts made during the Coronavirus crisis must be rewarded.
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"We deeply regret coming to this point and ask passengers to excuse us for the coming inconveniences."
The airline has told affected passengers that their flights will be rebooked, or be offered rebooking options via the app.
A statement on the reads: "The UFO union has called on Lufthansa cabin crew to strike on Tuesday, March 12 in Frankfurt and Wednesday, March 13 in Munich.
"As a result, the airline will have to adjust its flight program on both days.
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"Guests whose flights are affected by the UFO strike are currently being rebooked. This process has the highest priority for us and is still ongoing. We therefore ask for your patience.
"Guests whose booking has already been processed will receive information about the cancellation of their flight and, of course, rebooking options individually by email or in the Lufthansa app."
This isn't the first time Lufthansa has had to deal with strikes this year either.
On two separate occasions in February, the airline's flights were heavily affected by walkouts.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Both times saw the airline ground 90 per cent of its scheduled flights.
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Meanwhile, this is how you can claim compensation if your flight has been cancelled.
And these are two sneaky ways to avoid airline cancellation chaos.
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