There's another strike: On Monday, March 27th, the trade unions Ver.di and EVG paralyze Germany. What does this mean for air travelers? At which airports is there a strike and where maybe not? And what are the options and what can you do?
For the final round of negotiations on 27.3. With the federal and local governments, the unions want to make it clear with the unprecedented action that they have broad support for their demands among the workforce. The unions have called around 330,000 employees to go on strike, and a large turnout is expected. Long-distance, regional and local transport, the motorway company, airports and the water and shipping administration are affected.
In Munich, the airport will be on strike both Monday and Sunday. At Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt am Main, passengers are urgently asked to refrain from arriving on Monday. The only airport that is not affected is BER in Berlin - there are already agreements there in collective bargaining. Nevertheless, there will also be massive restrictions in Berlin. It is best to find out early on on the website of your airport whether and to what extent there will be a strike.
The trade unions have recommended travelers to travel as early as possible on Sundays, as some shifts that fall on Monday night start on Sunday evening. This mainly affects train travelers - so if you have to come to the airport by train, you should start your journey even earlier.
Passengers have the right to support, as the consumer advice center explains. Anyone who has booked their flight themselves should contact the airline. If the flight was booked as part of a package tour, contact the tour operator.
Normally, when a flight is canceled, passengers have two options: a refund of the fare or arranging an alternative flight.
If you simply want the money back for the canceled flight, the airline must refund the fare within seven days - in money. A travel voucher as a refund is only legal if you have agreed to this arrangement in writing. Disadvantage: If you exercise your right to a refund, the airline no longer has to help you find another seat for your trip, which could still be expensive.
The second option is the replacement flight. In that case, the airline has to take care of getting you where you want to go. Finding free seats and connections can take time, especially during strikes like this one. Depending on how long you have to wait at the airport, you are entitled to benefits such as free meals and drinks. If an overnight stay is necessary, the airline must pay for this and the round-trip transport to the hotel.
If you can't reach anyone in the chaos or if the airline refuses, you can arrange for supplies and accommodation on your own - and ask for the money back with the receipts afterwards.
In order to be able to assert your rights, it is important to "secure evidence" as early as possible. Document the delay or cancellation of the flight as early as possible, get confirmation from the airline if possible and exchange contact details with fellow passengers - this way you can act as witnesses for one another.
