Airline downgrade compensation in the EU.
Are you qualified for it? How much can you expect? What are the rules?
What if you booked a business class ticket, and later you are obliged to fly in economy instead? The rules regarding these are quite specific. And, yes, airBaltic can and must provide compensation for such experiences. This is applicable to all airBaltic flights to and from Europe.
Compensation has to be offered right on the spot.
1. airBaltic Downgrade Compensation
Passenger rights in air travel are heavily regulated in the EU.
- If your flight is delayed, you are entitled to flight delay compensation.
- If a flight is cancelled – flight cancellation compensation.
- If you are denied boarding – denied boarding compensation.
In case of a downgrade, you are entitled to flight downgrade compensation. The refund you can receive for involuntary downgrade ranges between 30 to 75% of the ticket price, based on the travel distance of your flight. This does not affect your airBaltic luggage allowance.
This applies to all airBaltic flights departing from and arriving in Europe.
For airlines outside the EU, this applies only to flights departing from Europe.
All this is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
2. How to Apply For This Flight Downgrade Compensation?
The downgrade compensation should be handed out immediately.
Hence, ordinarily, it shouldn’t require any action on your part.
If this doesn’t occur, ensure you reach out to airBaltic and file a claim. If you don’t take any action, airBaltic likely won’t either. Remember, this compensation should be deposited into your bank account. You are not required to accept any coupons or airBaltic vouchers.
In case of any problems, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
3. How Much Can You Claim for Flight Downgrade?
The compensation amounts are regulated by the EU.
Here is how you can calculate your airBaltic downgrade compensation:
- 30%, if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres,
- 50%, if the distance of your flight is between 1500 – 3500 kilometres,
- 75%, if the distance of your flight is more than 3500 kilometres.
These percentages are of the price you paid for your flight.
4. What About Complimentary Upgrades?
Suppose all economy seats are taken, and you’re given a business class seat. That’s acceptable, but bear in mind, the airline must not ask for any additional payment for this upgrade.
It’s simply an involuntary airBaltic upgrade.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
What happens if you’re flying with Emirates or Singapore Airlines, instead of airBaltic?
With these airlines, these rules apply only to flights departing from Europe.
For all EU airlines, the given guidelines apply to all commercial flights, whether inbound or outbound from Europe. If you’re traveling with a non-EU airline such as Emirates or Singapore Airlines, these rules only apply for their flights departing from Europe, not the other way round. In all other scenarios, you’ll need to rely on the local laws of the originating country and the specific airline’s downgrade policies.
First Class vs Business Class
When considering air travel, First Class and Business Class each have unique characteristics, differing in terms of pricing and the level of services provided. Nonetheless, the service quality in both these classes is considerably high as compared to Economy class.
First Class
First Class typically symbolizes the pinnacle of comfort that an airline can provide.
The features commonly include a seat that reclines fully, delectable meals, a wide array of beverages, and personalized service. Exclusive lounges at the airport and priority boarding are also typically included. Some airlines extend private suites to first class passengers, emphasizing privacy.
Business Class
Though Business Class is still a step up from Economy, it does not quite reach the high bar set by First Class. The seats are more spacious and comfortable than Economy but may not always recline fully flat. The food is of high quality, and there’s a good variety of drinks.
Business Class passengers also get lounge access at the airport and are among the first to board. However, the degree of privacy and personal attention may not be as high as in First Class.
What is your experience with airBaltic downgrades? Have you ever experienced that? Have you ever been downgraded on a airBaltic flight from Business to Economy?