Flight downgrade compensation in the EU.
Does it apply to you? What amount can you claim? What regulations govern this?
Consider this scenario: you purchase a first class ticket, but at the airport you are informed that your seat is now in business class or economy. Or, you have a business class ticket, and you are informed that you are flying economy. There are very specific rules for these situations. You may be entitled to airline downgrade compensation. It’s important to note that these regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from Europe, as Qatar Airways is a non-EU airline.
Compensation has to be offered right on the spot.
1. Qatar Airways Flight Downgrade Compensation
In the European Union, air passenger rights are highly regulated.
- You may be entitled to flight delay compensation if your flight is delayed.
- You may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation if your flight is cancelled.
- You may be entitled to denied boarding compensation if you are denied boarding.
If your flight class is downgraded, you can claim flight downgrade compensation. For involuntary downgrade, the compensation from your airline can range from 30 to 75% of the ticket price, based on the distance of your flight. This does not impact your Qatar Airways baggage allowance. After all, it’s not your fault.
This rule applies to Qatar Airways flights from Europe.
Because Qatar Airways is a non-EU airline. In this case, the regulations are applicable only for flights originating from Europe.
This is all made possible by 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 Claim Qatar Airways Flight Downgrade Compensation?
For flight downgrades, compensation should be provided immediately.
So, ideally, you shouldn’t have to take any additional steps.
If that doesn’t happen, ensure to reach out to Qatar Airways and submit a claim. Otherwise, you won’t get compensation.
Keep in mind that flight downgrade compensation should be credited to your bank account. It’s not necessary for you to accept any coupons or vouchers. In case of any discrepancies, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
The compensation amounts are regulated by the EU.
Here is how you can calculate your Qatar Airways 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 there are no free seats available in economy, and you are given a business class seat. That’s fine, but keep in mind that the airline may not demand any additional payment for this upgrade.
It’s just an involuntary Qatar Airways upgrade.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
What about situations when you fly with carriers like Qatar Airways or Turkish Airlines?
In these cases, the rules specified above are only applicable to flights that are departing from Europe.
For flights with European airlines, these regulations are observed for all commercial flights, regardless of whether they are inbound or outbound from Europe. However, when you are flying with a non-EU airline such as Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways, these regulations are only enforced for those flights that originate from Europe, but not in reverse. In other circumstances, it will be necessary to refer to the domestic laws of the departure country and the specific downgrade policies of the airline in question.
First Class vs. Business Class
The experience of traveling in First Class and Business Class on an airline has its own unique characteristics. Both classes differentiate themselves from Economy class significantly by providing a superior level of service, though they have varying costs and a diverse range of amenities on offer.
First Class
First Class is typically seen as the pinnacle of comfort that an airline can provide.
The amenities usually entail a seat that reclines to a flat position, gourmet meals, a wide array of beverages, and a high level of customer service. It also includes access to exclusive lounges at the airport and prioritized boarding. Some airlines even go a step further by providing private suites for First Class travelers, an emphasis on the privacy and luxury they offer.
Business Class
Business Class, though a definite step up from Economy, doesn’t quite reach the lavishness of First Class. The seats are larger and more comfortable than those in Economy class but may not always recline to a fully flat position. The meals are of a higher standard, and a substantial assortment of drinks is available.
Business Class passengers also have access to airport lounges and are among the first to board. However, the degree of privacy and individual attention might not match the level offered in First Class.
What is your experience with Qatar Airways flight downgrades? Have you ever been downgraded on a Qatar Airways flight from Business to Economy? Did you receive Qatar Airways flight downgrade compensation?
Featured photo by mentatdgt from Pexels / pxhere.com