Airline flight downgrade compensation in the EU.
Are you qualified? How much can you claim? What are the conditions?
Suppose you purchase a first-class ticket, but then… at the airport, you discover that you’ll be flying in business class or economy. What if you’ve secured a business class ticket, and later you are directed to fly in economy instead? There are precise rules regarding these scenarios. Moreover, you are entitled to receive compensation from Aegean Airlines. This is applicable to all Aegean Airlines flights departing from or arriving in Europe.
The compensation should be provided immediately.
1. Aegean Airlines Downgrade Compensation
In the EU air passenger rights are strictly regulated.
- For delayed flights, you can claim flight delay compensation.
- For cancelled flights – flight cancellation compensation.
- In case of denied boarding – denied boarding compensation.
If you undergo a downgrade, you’re entitled to flight downgrade compensation. The involuntary downgrade compensation can be acquired from your airline, and it ranges from 30 to 75% of the ticket price, depending on the flight distance. This doesn’t affect your Aegean Airlines baggage allowance. After all, it’s not your mistake.
With Aegean Airlines, it’s applicable to all their flights from and to Europe.
For non-EU airlines, it only applies to flights departing from Europe.
This is all made possible through 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 Aegean Airlines Flight Downgrade Compensation?
Flight downgrade compensation should be paid on the spot.
So, under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t need to take any action.
If this has not taken place, ensure to reach out to Aegean Airlines and file a claim. Because if you refrain from taking action, Aegean Airlines will also remain inactive. Remember that this compensation should be transferred to your bank account. You’re not required to accept any coupons or vouchers. In case of any problems, in your messages to the airline refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
The compensation values are dictated by the EU.
Here is your guide to calculating your Aegean Airlines compensation:
- 30%, for flights of up to 1,500 kilometres,
- 50%, for flights covering distances of 1,500 – 3,500 kilometres,
- 75%, for flights extending beyond 3,500 kilometres.
These percentages are of the price you paid for your flight.
4. What About Free Upgrades?
Suppose there aren’t any vacant seats in the economy class, and you’re provided with a seat in the business class. It’s perfectly fine, but keep in mind, the airline cannot charge any additional fees for this upgrade. Again, because this is their fault, not your’s.
It’s just an involuntary Aegean Airlines upgrade.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
Consider the scenario where you’re flying with Aegean Airlines instead of KLM.
The same principles would apply but only for trips that began in Europe. European carriers must adhere to these regulations for all their commercial flights, regardless of whether they are departing from or arriving in Europe.
Non-European airlines, such as Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways, are bound by these regulations only for their flights departing from Europe. For all other situations, the legal guidelines of the departure country and the individual airline’s downgrade policies will prevail.
First Class vs. Business Class
Air travel offers various classes, with important differences between First Class and Business Class, both in the price point and the standard of services. Yet, in both these classes, the service quality surpasses that of the Economy class notably.
First Class
First Class is often seen as the pinnacle of luxury that an airline can provide.
The perks typically comprise a seat that reclines into a bed, gourmet meals, an extensive selection of beverages, and a personalized service. Other benefits include access to exclusive airport lounges and priority boarding. For some airlines, there are even private suites for first-class passengers, emphasizing a luxury experience with utmost privacy.
Business Class
Despite being a significant step up from Economy, Business Class doesn’t quite match the luxury of First Class.
Seats in Business Class are comfortable and larger than those in Economy, but may not always recline into a completely flat bed. The meals are of a high standard, and the variety of drinks is good. Similar to First Class, Business Class passengers also have access to airport lounges and are among the first to board the plane. However, the level of personal attention and privacy may not be as pronounced as in First Class.
Frequently Asked Questions
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s an Aegean Airlines flight, then yes.
Aegean Airlines is a EU airline. And you are protected under the European law on all their flights, even if they depart from a country outside Europe (including EEA member countries and the UK).
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s an Aegean Airlines flight, then yes.
Aegean Airlines is a EU airline.
You are protected as a passenger on all Aegean Airlines flights.
I am not a European. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
It doesn’t matter if you are European or not.
The EU Regulation 261/2004 protect all passengers — tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
What is your experience with Aegean Airlines downgrades? Have you ever experienced that? Have you ever been downgraded on a Aegean Airlines flight from Business to Economy?