TAROM strike compensation in Europe.
Do you qualify for it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?
A good number of travellers aren’t aware that strikes are not always considered extraordinary circumstances. If the staff of TAROM (and not those from the airport) decide to strike, leading to flight delays or even cancellations, passengers may be eligible for flight compensation from TAROM. This holds true for all qualifying flights and passengers. In addition, passengers have the right to receive care.
You can put in a claim for strike compensation yourself or engage the services of a flight compensation company.
1. TAROM Strike Compensation
The eligibility criteria for receiving TAROM strike compensation are quite clear-cut.
In essence, there is no specific compensation for TAROM strikes (as there’s no such specific compensation in Europe), but rather a compensation for delays or cancellations.
- A flight delay should be of at least 3 hours, measured from when the aircraft doors are opened at the destination, permitting passengers to disembark. If the delay surpasses 3 hours beyond the planned arrival time, passengers may be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- Last-minute flight cancellations come under this too. Last-minute flight cancellations are all flights cancelled up to 14 days before the scheduled departure date. In these situations, you may be eligible for TAROM flight cancellation compensation (not only a TAROM refund for cancellation).
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
TAROM is obligated to provide a free new flight to enable you to reach your destination. All airlines operating in Europe are bound by the same rules. You may be entitled to compensation as well. Check out our guide on TAROM missed connection compensation. The rules for compensation are the same as for flight delays. You’ll need to see how much later you reached your destination compared to your original arrival time.
These rules are applicable to all TAROM flights to, within, and from Europe.
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
Remember that airline staff strikes do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
Just like technical issues and lack of staff do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
However, airlines sometimes classify a delay or cancellation as an extraordinary circumstance when it is not, to evade compensating the customers. It’s advisable to seek clarification directly from the airline in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.
Airlines may state that a flight delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, even when they were not, to dodge paying compensation. This happens because airlines are exempted from payment under extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, it’s wise to confirm the information provided by the airline before accepting it. It’s advisable to cross-verify all information concerning flight compensation and refunds.
Read more:
- Your TAROM Refund Is Taking a Long Time. What Can You Do About It?
- Your TAROM Compensation Claim Is Rejected. Now What?
1.2 Right to Care
As a passenger, if your wait time extends beyond what was planned, you’re entitled to certain care amenities. For instance, a delay of three hours or more at the airport can make you eligible for complimentary food and beverages.
Further, if the delay extends beyond three hours during the evening hours, you might qualify for free overnight accommodation as well as airport transfers. It is TAROM’s legal obligation to provide these services based on the duration of your wait time. If you’re not offered any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to TAROM representatives at the airport.
Read more: Right to Care
2. How to Claim TAROM Strike Compensation?
How to claim TAROM strike compensation?
There are two methods to pursue EU flight compensation (including compensation for a strike).
You can initiate the compensation claim process yourself by directly connecting with TAROM. This can be done by going on their website and reaching out to their customer service team for compensation claims. However, remember that this method might require several months and potentially involve negotiations to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.
Alternatively, you can opt for the simpler route — legal assistance.
If you’d rather avoid any trouble, you can opt to engage legal experts specialising in flight-related compensation in Europe. They’ll handle all aspects for you; all you need to do is complete a compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services.
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: How to Claim TAROM Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What’s the estimated time frame for receiving TAROM strike compensation?
Usually, the process takes a minimum of 2-3 months. Recently, there have been instances where the process extends further, especially if you independently file a claim and the airline decides to neglect your application.
Remember, it’s not a quick process, so you have to be patient.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
The amounts of compensation are set in stone and vary from €250 to €600.
These sums are determined by EU regulations.
Here’s how to determine your TAROM compensation amount:
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 TAROM Voucher Refund or Cash?
Many airlines, including TAROM, may offer vouchers as a form of compensation.
This is a popular strategy among airlines as it’s less costly for them compared to offering cash refunds or compensations. However, you hold the right to reject the voucher and insist on a cash refund or bank transfer instead. As per EU law, airline compensation and refunds should be dispensed in cash or via bank transfer, hence it’s crucial to always request for it to be furnished this way. This is a legal requirement in the EU.
TAROM Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was cheap. Can I get compensation if the flight is so cheap?
Yes.
As long as your flight is eligible for compensation.
If it is, it doesn’t matter how much did you pay for your flight.
I don’t have travel insurance. Do I need travel insurance in order to claim compensation?
No, you don’t.
You can claim compensation even if you don’t have insurance. According to the Regulation EC 261/2004, if it’s a delay of at least 3 hours, and it’s due to the fault of the airline, you might be entitled to compensation. It doesn’t matter if you have insurance or not.
Can my kid get compensation from TAROM?
Yes.
Children and babies can get compensation, too.
If you are entitled to flight compensation from TAROM, your child/baby will be, too. Even if your child is an infant who has a special infant ticket.
Your child will get the same amount as you.
Can I claim compensation for a friend or family member?
Yes, you can claim compensation for another person.
This person will need to provide you with their passport copy and boarding pass. Also they will need to sign any documents the airline or flight compensation company will ask to sign.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In most European countries you can claim compensation even for old flights.
If your flight was 2-3 years ago, you still might be able to claim compensation for it.
What to do if TAROM is refusing to pay compensation?
TAROM is refusing your claim.
Even though your flight is eligible for compensation.
How can you proceed? There are two options. The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company and let them pursue compensation on your behalf.
Alternatively, you could 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 TAROM then yes, you can.
All TAROM flights and passengers are protected under the EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004. TAROM is an EU airline, and you are protected as a passenger even on their flights that depart from a country outside the EU.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s a TAROM flight, then yes, you can.
I am not a EU citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
Your nationality doesn’t matter.
If your flight is eligible for compensation, you can get compensation. Even if you are not from Europe (EU/EEA/UK).
Other Situations
TAROM provided gave me a new flight to my destination and booked me into a hotel (for free). Can I still get compensated for my flight?
Yes.
If your flight is eligible for compensation, you can get compensation even if you have accepted a free hotel stay and new flight.
TAROM took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
Yes.
As long as you arrive 3+ hours later, and the delay is due to the fault of the airline, you might be entitled to compensation. Even if you have accepted a new flight. It doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation.
Have you ever had an experience with TAROM strike compensation? Did TAROM pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about TAROM compensation policies? Ask in the comments.