Important to know your rights if flight cancelled

What’s going on?

Thousands of Ryanair passengers face the prospect of travel chaos after pilots served notice of a 24-hour stoppage for Thursday, July 12, from 1am.

The notice was served by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa), almost 100 of whose Irish-based pilot members voted in favour of industrial action. What is the strike about? The striking pilots want those with the longest service to get first call on benefits like annual leave when their children are on holiday, promotions and transfers between bases.

Do we know the strike is happening for sure?

No. Industrial disputes can involve a lot of threats and bluster. The strikes have been called, but Ryanair and Ialpa are likely to negotiate, so there remains a possibility that action may be averted before July 12. Will my flight be affected? Nobody knows what flights are threatened right now. Ryanair says next week’s strike could affect just 7pc of its flights, but obviously that’s little reassurance to anyone booked to fly to/from Ireland on July 12. If negotiations fail, Ryanair says it will communicate next Tuesday with all customers travelling from Ireland on July 12.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled for any reason, your airline must offer you the choice between: re-routing as soon as possible, subject to availability, free of charge; re-routing at a later date; or a full refund.

How do I arrange a re-routing or refund?

The quickest option is to check your carrier’s website. It should include the steps to take.

I don’t want to lose my holiday. Should I act now? That’s the dilemma. Unfortunately, nobody can say for sure. As it stands, no flights have been definitively cancelled, so passenger rights do not kick in.

If you have booked a holiday through a travel agent, keep in touch with them on this.

If my flight is cancelled, can I claim compensation? Financial compensation depends on the flight length and the reason for the cancellation. It ranges from €250 to €600.

Several scenarios can affect rights, including the notice given and whether it is due to extraordinary circumstances. For more on your rights, call 01 661-1700 or visit flightrights.ie. What if I’m overseas? Am I entitled to assistance?

If your flight is cancelled and you choose to be re-routed as soon as possible, you are entitled to meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation and transfers between the airport and hotel as required.

If your flight is cancelled and you choose a full refund, then the airline’s obligations to you end there and then.