Are you entitled to TAP strike compensation?
If yes, how much can you claim? What are the rules?
Please note that in some cases, such as a strike by TAP staff causing flight delays or cancellations, TAP may have to offer flight compensation to affected passengers. This applies to all eligible flights and passengers. If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike, you may also get assistance from the airline.
Apply for compensation on your own or with the help of a flight compensation company.
1. TAP Strike Compensation
You may be entitled to TAP strike compensation.
The rules are pretty straightforward. It must be either a flight delay or flight cancellation:
- For a flight delay, the delay must be at least 3 hours, measured from the moment the aircraft doors are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark. If the delay exceeds 3 hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, passengers may be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- In the case of a last-minute flight cancellation, which refers to a cancellation that occurs up to 14 days before the departure date, you might be entitled to TAP flight cancellation compensation. If you decide not to take the replacement flight offered to you, you are entitled to refund for cancellation. Refund and compensation is not the same thing. In some situations, you are entitled to both of them.
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
If you miss your TAP connecting flight due to a disruption on a previous TAP flight, the airline will arrange an alternative connecting flight for you at no cost.
Regarding compensation, please refer to our guide on TAP missed connection compensation. In summary, the rules are similar with those for flight delays. It is essential to assess the extent of your delay in reaching your final destination compared to the original scheduled arrival time.
These regulations apply to all TAP flights.
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
Please note that airline staff strikes are not classified as extraordinary circumstances.
Airline staff strikes, as well as technical issues with aircraft and staff shortages, do not fall under the category of extraordinary circumstances. Despite this fact, airlines may attempt to claim that these events are exceptional circumstances. This is because if a flight is delayed or cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, it relieves the airline of the obligation to provide flight compensation to affected passengers.
It is important to recognize that airlines employ such excuses in order to avoid paying compensation, even if it contradicts the law. By doing so, airlines aim to minimize their financial losses.
Many passengers don’t know about their rights, so it’s easy to mislead them.
Keeping this in mind, it is crucial to verify any information provided. When it comes to flight compensations and refunds, it is advisable to double-check all details and ensure accuracy.
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever you have to wait longer than planned, you have a right to care.
In the event of a flight delay, last-minute flight cancellation or flight overbooking, if you find yourself stranded at the airport as a result, certain services must be provided to you without charge. For instance, if your waiting time exceeds three hours, TAP may be obliged to offer you a complimentary meal and beverage. Furthermore, if the delay extends beyond three hours and occurs during the night, you may be eligible for free accommodation and airport transfers.
TAP Air Portugal is responsible for providing passengers with meals and drinks according to the duration of the wait.
If you are not offered any assistance, please locate TAP staff at the airport for further support.
2. How to Claim TAP Strike Compensation?
TAP strike compensation is a EU flight compensation for flight delay or cancellation.
There are two options to claim EU flight compensation: you can either handle it independently or engage the services of a flight compensation company.
- Independent Claim: If you prefer to claim compensation for your delayed or canceled flight on your own, you can directly contact TAP through their website and communicate with their customer support team. However, please note that this process may take several months, and you may need to negotiate to reach a satisfactory resolution. It is because airlines often refuse to cooperate with individuals claiming compensation independently.
- Flight Compensation Company: Alternatively, you can choose to work with a flight compensation company, which is a hassle-free option. Such companies will handle all aspects on your behalf, and you will only need to complete the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services, should you opt for this route.
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:
- Your TAP Refund Is Taking Forever? Here’s What You Can Do!
- Your TAP Compensation Claim Is Rejected. What Now?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
How long does it take to receive compensation?
The processing time for claiming compensation is typically 3 months, at the minimum.
However, if the airline proves uncooperative and legal action becomes necessary, the process could take twice as long or more. As it is not a fast procedure, it is important to anticipate some delay when 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 TAP 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 TAP Voucher Refund or Cash?
In certain cases, you might receive a voucher instead of monetary compensation.
Nevertheless, you have the right to reject the voucher and request a refund or compensation in the form of cash or bank transfer instead. It is important to note that airline compensations and refunds should be provided in cash or via bank transfer, and it is advised to insist on receiving them in this appropriate format.
TAP Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was discounted/cheap. Can I get compensation if it was cheap?
The price of your ticket doesn’t matter.
If you have arrived 3+ hours later than scheduled, and the delay/cancellation was due to the airline’s fault, you might be entitled to compensation from TAP Air. The price of the ticket doesn’t lower your chances of getting compensation. And it certainly doesn’t affect the compensation amount you are getting.
I am entitled to compensation, but I don’t have travel insurance. Can I still get compensation?
Yes, absolutely.
According to the Regulation EC 261/2004, you can claim compensation even if you don’t have insurance.
Can my child/baby get compensation from TAP?
Yes, they can.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. Kids and babies can get compensation, too. Even infants who have 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?
Yes, you can.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
Just don’t forget that you will need to ask them sign any documents the airline or the flight compensation company will ask to sign. Also you will need to provide their boarding pass and passport copy.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the local laws of the country.
If you are flying from the EU, in most cases you can claim compensation also for old flights — flights that were 2-3 years ago. However, we would recommend you to claim compensation as soon as you return from your trip. The sooner you do it, the better.
What to do if TAP is refusing to pay compensation?
TAP is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
Is there a chance that you still might get your compensation? Yes. There are two ways how you can proceed. If you don’t want any more hassle, the best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will continue the work 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?
If you’re flying with TAP then yes, you can.
You are protected as a passenger on all TAP Air flights. Even on those which depart from a country outside the EU.
All thanks to EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Are you flying with TAP?
Then yes, you can. You are protected as a passenger on all TAP Air flights. Even on those which depart from the EU and arrive in a country outside the EU.
I am not a EU citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
Your nationality doesn’t matter. The EU Regulation 261/2004 protects all passengers — tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
Other Situations
TAP provided me with a free replacement flight to my destination and a free hotel stay. Can I still get compensated for my disrupted flight?
Yes.
Accepting the replacement flight and free hotel stay won’t lower your chances of getting compensation. If you are entitled to compensation from the airline, you will get it.
TAP took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
Yes, you might.
If you arrived at least 3 hours later than scheduled, and the delay/cancellation was due to the fault of the airline, you might get compensation. Even if you were given a new ticket to your destination.
Have you ever had an experience with TAP strike compensation or refund? Did TAP pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about TAP compensation policies? Ask in the comments.