My partner and I will be travelling from London to Montpellier, by both Eurostar and SNCF, on 16 June and returning on 25 June. We’re aware of the French rail strikes threatening to disrupt services over the summer and are wondering what our rights are should either of our journeys be cancelled. All were bought via the Eurostar website, using a Mastercard.
CG, London
Rail workers are protesting at reforms by Emmanuel Macron which they fear will worsen their employment conditions. Their cycle of two days’ strike, three days’ working, is due to continue until the end of June and this week’s action caused transport chaos by coinciding with Air France strikes. There is a difference between “planned” and “confirmed” strike days. Eurostar says that once a strike day is confirmed by the relevant unions (usually with a matter of days’ notice), it will update its timetable and customers are then entitled to free exchanges or refunds. On these confirmed days, services will operate to an amended timetable. Customers with onward connections in France booked through Eurostar are entitled to an exchange or refund. This applies to planned strike days, as well as confirmed strike days.
Check Eurostar’s website (where there is a dedicated page) or its app or Twitter feed. Trainline is, helpfully, announcing all the strike days as they are confirmed along with more details about refunds and exchanges. It points out that even if your ticket has non-refundable conditions, you will be able to process a full refund if your train has been cancelled by SNCF.
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