This article will delve into Qatar Airways vouchers.
What are Qatar Airways voucher types? How can you convert a voucher into cash?
It’s common practice for airlines to distribute vouchers in response to flight disruptions; however, these vouchers are not the same as compensation. This article will explain the typical circumstances under which Qatar Airways dispenses vouchers, as well as your rights in these situations. Remember that accepting a voucher is often a voluntary decision. Vouchers are not equivalent to flight compensation.
These EU laws apply to Qatar Airways flights departing from Europe.
1. Qatar Airways Vouchers
Vouchers are essentially coupons issued with a pre-set value to be used as a form of payment.
Qatar Airways, like other airlines, periodically presents vouchers to its passengers. There are primarily two categories of Qatar Airways vouchers: Qatar Airways gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Qatar Airways “Gift Cards” – These are similar to standard travel gift cards. They can be applied towards payment for flights that you book through Qatar Airways. It’s possible to purchase such a gift card for yourself. To get a Qatar Airways Gift Card, you need top up your Avios balance. It can be done via Qatar Airways website. Once you have done that, you can then gift or transfer Avios to your friends and family as a thoughtful present.
- Qatar Airways compensation vouchers – These vouchers function similarly to gift cards. The key distinction is that these vouchers are issued by Qatar Airways in the event of flight complications (e.g., flight delay, flight cancellation, overbooking).
Obtaining a gift card is quite straightforward – it’s either purchased by you or presented to you as a gift.
But how about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers granted as reimbursement for a cancelled flight? Read on to learn more.
2. Qatar Airways Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What event led you to receive a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a choice.
If Qatar Airways cancels your flight, they must offer you two alternatives: a refund for cancellation or a replacement flight to your final destination. The alternate flight can be with Qatar Airways or another airline, and provided at no cost. In certain cases, you may also qualify for flight cancellation compensation.
Remember that a Qatar Airways refund and compensation should be transferred to your bank account. The airline might propose a voucher, but it’s not mandatory for you to take it.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
If you, as a passenger, decide to cancel your flight, different rules apply.
The Qatar Airways policy explains that eligibility for a refund largely depends on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you have a refundable ticket, then you’re entitled to a refund. If your ticket is non-refundable, you may not qualify for a full refund. Instead, Qatar Airways might offer a voucher for future travel with the airline.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to comb through the specific terms and conditions related to your ticket to determine your rights in the event of a cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
Two scenarios are most probable.
Either Qatar Airways was at fault, or the airline was not to blame for the delay.
If Qatar Airways is liable for the delay of your flight, you might be eligible for flight delay compensation. It’s vital to verify your eligibility and insist on receiving what you’re entitled to. The procedure and entitlement for flight compensation are outlined by regulations set by the European Union. Compensation usually varies between 250 and 600 euros, though in rare cases, you might only receive 50% of that.
However, Qatar Airways might propose Qatar Airways vouchers instead of the due compensation. First, it’s essential to remember that accepting a voucher is your choice. Secondly, if you do agree to a voucher, ensure that its value aligns with the legal requirements.
If the delay was not caused by Qatar Airways, then a voucher can’t be converted to cash, assuming they even issued one. Since they are not responsible for the delay, they aren’t legally obligated to offer any form of compensation.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
In the case of flight overbooking, you and possibly other passengers might be involuntarily denied boarding. As a passenger, you are entitled to either a replacement flight or a refund to your bank account. Furthermore, you might qualify for denied boarding compensation.
As with flight delays and cancellations, if compensation is due, you are not obligated to accept a non-refundable voucher. You can request the funds to be transferred to your bank account.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
If you voluntarily surrender your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you might also be offered a voucher. It’s crucial to thoroughly scrutinize the terms of the offer, including whether it’s refundable or non-refundable, its validity period, and any restrictions on its utilization.
2.5 Other Situations
It’s always crucial to be vigilant about the kind of offer you are presented with.
It’s recommended that you conduct independent research to ensure you’re receiving fair treatment. Our website provides information on a range of circumstances where you could be eligible for compensation or a refund. It’s important to remember that if your Qatar Airways flight departs from a European airport, the airline is bound by law to provide a full refund or monetary compensation rather than a voucher, irrespective of the options they present to you.
Here’s a summary of what you can get in every situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Flight delayed for 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of Qatar Airways, you are entitled to flight delay compensation | No |
| Flight delayed less than 3 hours | No | No |
| Flight cancellation less than 2 weeks before the flight | If it’s due to the fault of Qatar Airways, you are entitled to flight cancellation compensation | Choice between a refund and new flight (You can choose either) |
| Flight cancellation more than 2 weeks before the flight | No | Choice between a refund and new flight |
| You have cancelled a flight | No | Depending on the ticket |
| Boarding denial (due to overbooking) | You can get denied boarding compensation | Choice between a refund and new flight |
| You have given up your seat (voluntary denied boarding) | No | As per agreement with Qatar Airways |
The type of compensation you may receive will depend on the specific situation, and could include a refund, compensation, or both. It’s important to note that any payment you are entitled to must be made in cash or transferred directly to your bank account, depending on the circumstances.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Read more:
- How to Claim Qatar Airways Compensation?
- Your Qatar Airways Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Qatar Airways Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Qatar Airways Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange Qatar Airways Voucher for Cash?
When it comes to turning Qatar Airways vouchers into cash, there are two scenarios.
Firstly, if you are in possession of a refundable voucher, you can choose to convert it into cash. By getting in touch with Qatar Airways, you can ask about the steps and prerequisites for converting your voucher into money.
Secondly, there may be instances where you receive a voucher as opposed to a refund or compensation, even though the regulations mandate that you should be given a monetary compensation. In such a situation, it’s vital to communicate with the airline to resolve the matter. By reaching out, you can voice your concerns and ask for the appropriate monetary compensation in lieu of a voucher. It’s crucial to stand up for your rights and ensure that you get the rightful reimbursement in accordance with the law.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
4. How to Request a Refund From Qatar Airways?
Should you wish to get a refund for your ticket, you can do so by accessing your booking in the “Manage Booking” section. The refund will be processed using the same payment method that you utilised when booking your ticket.
Your ticket type and the specific circumstances surrounding your request will determine your eligibility for a full refund, partial refund, or no refund.
4.1 Insisting on a Qatar Airways Refund (or Compensation), Not Qatar Airways Voucher
In many scenarios, you should be given a choice.
According to the law, you have the right to decline Qatar Airways gift cards or vouchers as compensation or refund. This is because EU regulations stipulate that both refund and UK/EU flight compensation should be paid to your bank account, unless you, the passenger, agree to something else. Thus, Qatar Airways must offer this alternative instead of vouchers.
Keep in mind that these EU regulations only cover Qatar Airways flights from Europe.
For a detailed survey of all potential scenarios, please refer to the table provided previously.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Qatar Airways has provided you with a voucher as opposed to a cash refund, but you believe you were entitled to cash compensation, you can attempt to request a swap. The success of securing a full cash refund will hinge on the specifics of your case. If Qatar Airways failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, or did not offer you the choice between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund initially, it’s certainly worth trying to get the money.
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.
What is your experience with Qatar Airways vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Qatar Airways voucher or you could use it only for Qatar Airways flights?