By: Leonardo Neri

The media during the week of December 19, 2022, was quite incisive regarding the news presented about the strike at airports.

This is because, as we know, December is a month of festivities and vacations, which means that the strike ended up affecting countless people who had planned to spend the period away from home and were unable to fulfill their plans. Furthermore, we cannot exclude people who had scheduled business trips or specific commitments, or unfortunately who suffered some loss in their family, since they were equally affected.

In this sense, even though Procon (Consumer Protection and Defense Program) immediately intervened in the situation in order to mitigate the damages, it is worth mentioning that affected Consumers can seek compensation in accordance with their violated rights.

In summary, some of the rights offered by Procon-SP when flights are cancelled are the following: (i) prior information about problems with the flight; (ii) in the event of cancellation, priority on the next boarding; (iii) refund of the amount paid for the ticket, or even hotel to be provided by the airline; (iv) compensation for material damages, such as loss of hotel stay, scheduled tours, transfers, flight connections, etc.; (v) legal assistance for other compensation.

In the event of a delay of 1 hour, the Consumer has the right to use communication channels, such as the internet and telephone, by the airline. If the delay is longer than 2 hours and shorter than 4 hours, food must also be provided, and if the delay is longer than 4 hours, accommodation must be offered (if the Consumer does not live in the municipality), as well as re-accommodation on the flight or a refund of the ticket.

Consumers have many rights, as they are vulnerable and at a disadvantage in relation to the airline. However, it is worth noting that if the airline followed the procedures established by law, its liability should be waived. Therefore, if you, the Consumer, have suffered or are still suffering from the consequences of this event, please contact the partner responsible for the consumer team, Leonardo Neri, so that you can receive full support and representation in this case.

With the collaboration of Barbara Gomes