Was the SAS pilot strike an extraordinary event or not? The answer determines how travelers are compensated.
But those affected who are out of money can expect to wait months for an answer.
Hundreds of thousands of travelers were affected when SAS pilots in Denmark, Norway and Sweden went on strike for seven days at the end. According to SAS CEO Rickard Gustafson, the company is working intensively to handle the large number of compensation claims.
”"We have staffed up with everyone we have to deal with this, but it is taking a little longer than we would like. I hope there is some understanding that this is an exceptional situation," he says, without giving further details about when those affected can expect compensation.
SAS has stated that travelers can receive compensation for new flight tickets, up to a certain level, as well as for necessary expenses incurred due to the canceled flight, such as hotel costs.
”"What is reasonable is decided on a case-by-case basis," says Freja Annamatz, press manager at SAS.
Those who are not satisfied with how SAS is handling the matter can contact the Swedish Complaints Board (ARN). ARN is currently handling 85 cases related to the pilot strike.
The authority requests In each case, a statement from the other party, in this case SAS, is submitted. Normally, the response time is two weeks. However, SAS has requested longer time in several cases.
”We have admitted that because they have a high workload,” says Marcus Isgren, head of ARN.
Since ARN will soon have a summer break for its decision-making meetings, it will be until the autumn before those affected can expect a decision from the authority.
”Sometime in September, at best, we can give an announcement,” says Marcus Isgren.
SAS has stated that the company considers the strike to be an extraordinary event and that flat-rate compensation under EU regulations for delays and damages will not be paid. This is a matter for ARN to decide.
”"What is crucial is whether a strike can be considered an extraordinary circumstance that can exempt SAS from liability. If you think so, it will affect all these matters. If you can't, it will also have an impact, of course. Depending on what we come up with, it could speed up the process afterwards," says Marcus Isgren.
Within the framework of package travel, ARN tests both one-way and return trips. Otherwise, only trips that start in Sweden and end in another EU country are tested.
”"There are certain agreements between ARN in Sweden and ARN in other countries regarding flight compensation. For example, if you fly from Barcelona to Sweden, it is our counterpart in Spain that will review the case," says Marcus Isgren.
Source: TT
