We were scheduled to take a Thalys train from AMS-Paris on 9/9. There was (6pm) Sept 7 email notice of a Sept 9 train strike. We could not rebook (Thalys server busy and phones busy). We went to train station and at 9pm were informed we'd need to take a local train (Thalys booked up) on Sept 8 before the strike to get our train on 9/9 in Brussels (as far north as the Thalys was going on 9/9). We paid 50 euros each for the local ticket. Can we get reimbursed from Thalys? I tried to email Thalys, but the bot just keeps saying "no compensation for delayed train." Delay??? It never even reached AMS on 9/9. I don't know if there's some EU strike provision that excepts reimbursement?
Posted by
The Netherlands
1282 posts
It’s a shame you didn’t come to the forum sooner. Around the time of the strikes in August/September there was all kinds of information available on the website of Thalys about what to do and where to claim. That information seems not to be available any longer.
Who did you book your original Thalys ticket with? Did you book it directly on the Thalys website?
Posted by
OP
washington, dc
389 posts
Directly with Thalys. We were in Europe for an extended period and then I forgot about submitting any claims.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3159 posts
On the Thalys website there are explanations as well as a section entitled “What can I do if I’m not satisfied.” I would start by contacting the ombudsman and escalate it from there if necessary.