Gaffes by their customer service incorrectly informing clients their flights were cancelled have not helped, eroding customer confidence even further. "It is very important to differentiate between airline strikes and airport strikes. Airport strikes, like baggage handler, or air traffic control strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances, and airlines are exempt from compensation liability. However, if their own staff; check-in, pilots, or crew strike, then customers are entitled to compensation," says Elżbieta Tyszka GIVT Head of Legal and Compliance. But how have airlines fared in last quarter, peak summer months when flight numbers are at their highest? Most airlines are performing well compared to Q3 2018, with low-cost carriers Ryanair, and Wizz Air leading the way on reducing disrupted flights, despite a UK Pilot's strike at Ryanair and a baggage handler strike at Luton Airport, hitting both airlines. Running costs have also had a big impact.