This September 10th looks set to be eventful: while the TGV trains should operate “normally,” the TER services and trains in Île-de-France will play hide-and-seek with travelers, while the DGAC is forecasting widespread delays and has asked to cut evening flights departing from Nice and Corsica by half. Don’t panic: this guide will show you step by step how to secure your refunds and exchanges for train tickets (SNCF, Ouigo, Trenitalia) and assert your aviation rights (cancellation, delay, compensation) to turn the hassle into a pleasant surprise.
Strike, delays, cancellations… September 10th is shaping up to be turbulent in transport. However, good news: your refund rights are clear, whether you’re traveling by train (TGV inOui, Intercités, TER, Île-de-France) or by plane. This guide explains, step by step, how to exchange or cancel your tickets, obtain a full refund, when you may be entitled to additional compensation, and what to do about your ancillary expenses (hotel, car rental). We also provide practical tips, deadlines to respect, and useful links to ensure you don’t let a euro slip away.
What changes on September 10th: trains and planes
Busy day ahead. On the rail side, the TGV trains should run normally, but expect disturbances, sometimes very significant, on the TER and in the trains in Île-de-France. The Intercités may also be affected depending on the routes.
In the air, the DGAC announces disturbances and delays across all French airports, focusing on the South-East. Between 6 PM and midnight, the flight schedule is reduced by half departing from Nice and the airports in Corsica (Bastia, Ajaccio, Figari, Calvi). Translation: cancellations and reroutings in a cascade.
Your rights by train: TGV inOui, Intercités, TER, and Île-de-France
TGV inOui and Intercités: exchange or full refund
If your train is cancelled by the operator (notably in the case of a strike), the after-sales policy is relaxed. Affected TGV inOui and Intercités passengers are generally contacted via email or SMS. You can exchange free of charge for another train (subject to availability) or cancel your ticket via the SNCF sites and applications for a full refund. Crucial tip: make the request before the departure time displayed on your ticket, even if your train ultimately does not run.
Good to know: even if your train is running, you generally benefit from the same options for exchange or facilitated cancellation during a strike.
TER and Île-de-France trains: your options in case of cancellation
On TER and in Île-de-France, the golden rule remains the same: if the train is cancelled by the operator, an exchange or a refund is possible. Keep a proof of the cancellation (screenshot, certificate) and go through the SNCF app or the website. In case of a journey becoming impossible (missed connection, significantly degraded service), request a full refund and, if necessary, an alternative transport arrangement.
Ouigo: voucher, exchange within 7 days, and auto cancellation
With Ouigo, the scenario differs. If your train is cancelled, you can exchange for travel up to 7 days after the original date or cancel your ticket and request a refund. This will arrive by email within 3 days in the form of a voucher, which is then refundable to your bank account. And if you do nothing? At J-1 at 11:30 PM, the trip is automatically cancelled and you receive a voucher refundable by email.
Trenitalia: modification or 100% refund
If you are traveling with Trenitalia, you can modify or cancel your trip with a 100% refund through their online form. Keep all cancellation notifications and proof of purchase.
Your rights by plane: refund, rerouting, and compensation
Refund or rerouting within 7 days (Regulation 261/2004)
According to Article 8 of European Regulation No. 261/2004, if the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund of the ticket within 7 days or a rerouting to your final destination, in comparable conditions. In the meantime, the airline must provide assistance (meals, drinks, communications) and, if necessary, accommodation if the replacement flight departs the next day.
Compensation: €250, €400, €600 — in which cases?
Besides the refund, compensation may be due: €250 (< 1500 km), €400 (between 1500 and 3500 km) and €600 (> 3500 km) if you arrive with at least 4 hours delay compared to the scheduled time. This compensation is independent of the ticket refund.
When compensation is not due, and the case of strikes
No compensation if you were informed at least 2 weeks before departure, if the replacement flight departs with less than 2 hours in advance or arrives with less than 4 hours delay. Extraordinary circumstances (such as air traffic control restrictions imposed by the DGAC) can also exempt the airline from compensation, while leaving your refund rights intact. Conversely, strikes by the airline’s staff regularly spark debate; very often, passengers still obtain compensation. In any case, request in writing and keep the proofs.
Ancillary expenses and package travel: what is reimbursed (or not)
Hotel, car, activities: beware of the trap
The European regulation does not impose reimbursement of your ancillary expenses (hotel, car rental, visits) when a flight is cancelled. Theoretically, you could claim significant amounts, but in practice, the carrier is not considered responsible for costs already incurred if the cancellation arises from circumstances beyond its control. Moral: check your cancellation insurance at the time of booking your accommodations and vehicles, and ask for goodwill gestures if your booking is non-refundable.
Package travel: full refund within 14 days
If you have booked a package combining at least two services (transport + accommodation, car rental, visits…), and the agency cancels your stay, they must refund you in full within 14 days. If the flight is cancelled and your trip falls through, all payments related to the package must be returned to you.
Express guide: how to claim your refund now
For a train ticket
Open the SNCF app or the website, go to “My orders,” select your ticket, then choose Exchange (free of charge during strikes on TGV inOui/Intercités) or Cancel for a full refund. For Ouigo, prefer the exchange within 7 days or cancellation with voucher sent within 3 days (refundable afterwards). If you travel with Trenitalia, use their online form for a 100% refund.
For a plane ticket
On the airline’s website, look for “Refund” or “Rerouting” and demand the application of Article 8 of Regulation 261/2004. If compensation is applicable (€250/€400/€600), claim it in the same file. Keep receipts for meals, drinks, and accommodation provided or incurred if the assistance was not covered.
Proofs and good reflexes
Take screenshot of announcements, request a cancellation/delay certificate, keep the emails/SMS, and note the exact times. In case of refusal, contact customer service, then a mediation body or the CEC for cross-border disputes. Remember the legal deadlines (7 days for air refunds, 14 days for packages), this often speeds up processing.
Practical cases and useful feedback
Need inspiration to boost your chances? Some travelers have secured refunds deemed impossible, such as this account of a lost trip during the health crisis that was ultimately refunded despite the obstacles, read here: How I managed to get a refund for my lost trip during Covid-19.
Another frequent situation: vacations compromised by an external event (fire, closure…) with possibilities of refund for vacationers depending on the case, as shown in this example in Aude: Refunds for vacationers after fire in Aude.
In aviation, if your flight was refundable but the money hasn’t arrived, draw inspiration from this investigation into a KLM case: KLM owes money for a refundable flight: where did the refund go?. In case of overbooking or multiple incidents leading to forced withdrawal, see how to structure your claim for compensation: Overbooking: reimbursement difficulties after two incidents.
Finally, keep an eye on taxes and surcharges: when airlines backtrack, refunds are sometimes possible. Example to ponder here: Refund of the ticket tax.
