Missed flight due to airport strikes

kateJ

My parents missed their flight at Paris CDG airport on Monday due to strikes with airport workers. They were at the airport 2.5 hours prior to the flight, checked in and then spent the rest of their time in long queues for security and passport control. Their gate was then changed and when they got to the new gate (a train ride away) they had just closed it and would not allow them to travel. As they needed to get home that night they then had to pay 1900 euros to travel on the only flights they could get (business class to Amsterdam and then on to Newcastle). We would welcome any advice about how they can get compensation for the money that they had to pay out on new flights. Air France are refusing any responsibility and their travel insurance cover is not looking too hopeful.
Thank you in advance! I hope someone can help!:)

Caz3121

Air France would not be responsible, if the passengers do not present themselves at the gate before the closure time they will be classed as a no-show.
I am guessing the response from the airport will be that the other passengers were able to make it to the gate in time for the flight despite the queues and gate change.
There was a case where a couple were compensated for a missed flight but this was due to airline and not airport issues

PeacefulWaters

I have a horrible feeling that strike action will be excluded from any insurances.

Trying to sue a foreign union won't be fun and unlikely to succeed.

I found processes at CDG long winded and excessive on my only trip through the place. Overlay a strike and I can't think of anywhere worse to fly out of.

They were at the airport 2.5 hours prior to the flight

How long did the airline recommend they allow at the airport?

Airport site suggests 90 minutes is sufficient.
http://easycdg.com/passenger-information/check-in-departures-cdg-airport/

pendragon_arther

I used Air France once but never again. The attitude of the French is full of arrogance and superiority and unhelpfulness.

The law is such that an airline is only responsible for paying compensation for a missed flight or connection for delays of 3 hours or more. I don't think this is your case though. Personally I'd make a lot of negative noise about them on social media etc.

Westin

What a terrible experience.

I don't see Air France at fault however.

I think travel insurance would be your only possible course for recovery of any of your parents extra expenditure but as PeacefulWaters points out, this might also be something that is not covered. Worth reading the policy T&C's and contacting the insurers.

leylandsunaddict

This has nothing to do with the airline. As far as they are concerned your parents were simply a no show at the gate. It isn't their fault that the security queues were taking ages. They have no control over what happens landside at an airport.

You'd have to read your insurance policy wording carefully, but I doubt it will cover industrial action by airport workers.

peachyprice

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

I
How long did the airline recommend they allow at the airport?

Airport site suggests 90 minutes is sufficient.
http://easycdg.com/passenger-information/check-in-departures-cdg-airport/

Although during a strike I would have at least doubled that time. I think under the circumstances 2.5 hours is cutting it too fine.

OP, did they know about the strike before they left for the airport? Was it on the news? Did they get any notification from the airline?