The Verdi union is planning a strike for ground handling staff at seven German airports next Friday. The airports in Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Dortmund, Hanover and Bremen are affected.

Here the operation should rest all day. Massive disruptions are expected. Air passenger rights expert Julián Navas from AirHelp knows what affected passengers can do and what rights they have.

"Due to this week's warning strike, several thousand passengers will not reach their destination as planned. Affected passengers are therefore entitled to alternative transport if the delay is three hours or more. The rebooking to another flight must be implemented by the operating airline itself. Domestic German flights can optionally be transferred to a train ticket.

If the airline does not take action of its own accord, affected passengers should set a deadline of three hours after the scheduled departure time. If the request is still not fulfilled, travelers can look for their own alternatives and charge the airline for the costs.

If there is a delay of more than five hours or carriage at a later point in time, the airline is also obliged to refund the full ticket price. In the case of delays of more than two hours and a flight distance of more than 1.500 kilometers, the operating airline must also provide the passengers with meals and drinks at the airport. In addition, two telephone calls or the sending of two e-mails must be possible. If necessary, the airlines must also provide accommodation and facilitate transportation there. In any case, it is advisable to request this service from the airline.”

Airport personnel are only entitled to compensation under certain circumstances

"Since it is a strike by ground or airport staff, the passengers affected are generally not entitled to compensation under the European Air Passenger Rights Regulation EG 261. The exception: if the check-in staff, who are provided by the airline, are also on strike If there is a delay of three hours or more, consumers can claim compensation. This amounts to up to 600 euros per person.”

Passengers have these rights according to EC 261

Flight cancellations and delays can entitle you to compensation payments of up to 600 euros per passenger. The amount of the compensation payment is calculated from the length of the flight route. The rightful claim for compensation depends on the actual length of the delay at the destination and the reason for the canceled or delayed flight. Affected passengers can assert their claim for compensation retrospectively, up to three years after their flight date.

Extraordinary circumstances such as storms or medical emergencies can result in the operating airline being released from the obligation to compensate. Both announced and unannounced strikes are not included.