This article will cover Aegean Airlines vouchers.
What types of Aegean vouchers are there? How can an Aegean Airlines voucher be converted into cash?
Airline vouchers are commonly provided as compensation for flight disruptions, but it’s crucial to distinguish between them and compensation. This article will explore the usual circumstances where Aegean Airlines flight vouchers are provided, and explain your rights in these situations. Remember, opting for a voucher is often a choice.
Vouchers are not the same as flight compensation.
1. Aegean Airlines Vouchers
Vouchers are essentially coupons with a set value that can be used as a form of payment.
Airlines frequently provide vouchers to their passengers, including Aegean Airlines. Aegean vouchers predominantly come in two forms: Aegean gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Aegean Gift Cards – conventional travel gift cards that can be purchased from the airline’s website. These can be used when booking flights with Aegean Airlines, and are the most popular types of Aegean Airlines vouchers. You have the option of purchasing such a gift card yourself.
- Aegean compensation vouchers – vouchers that can be used in a similar manner to gift cards. The key distinction is that these vouchers are provided by Aegean Airlines in response to flight issues (i.e., flight delay, cancellation, overbooking).
The process of receiving a gift card is simple – it’s either gifted to you by someone else, or you can buy one for yourself.
But what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers that you receive as refund for an unused flight? If you’re interested in finding out more, please continue reading.
2. Aegean Airlines Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What are the circumstances under which you received a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
When your flight gets cancelled, you should be presented with a choice.
If Aegean Airlines is the one cancelling your flight, they have to give you two options: a refund for the cancelled flight or a replacement flight to your final destination. This alternate flight may be with Aegean Airlines or another airline and must be offered without any extra cost. In some situations, you could also be eligible for compensation due to the flight cancellation.
Remember that Aegean Airlines refund and compensation must be paid into your bank account. The airline might propose a voucher, but accepting it is not mandatory.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
If you decide to cancel your flight, different rules apply.
Aegean Airlines’ policy mentions that your eligibility for a refund mostly depends on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If your ticket is refundable, you are eligible for a full refund. However, if your ticket is non-refundable, a full refund may not be available. Instead, Aegean Airlines may offer a voucher for future travel with them. Nonetheless, it is crucial to go through the specific terms and conditions related to your ticket to understand your entitlements in case of a cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two likely scenarios.
Either Aegean Airlines was at fault, or the delay wasn’t their responsibility.
If Aegean Airlines is responsible for your flight delay, you could be entitled to flight delay compensation. You need to check your eligibility and demand no less than what you deserve. The process and the compensation amount are regulated by rules set by the European Union. Compensation can vary from 250 to 600 euros, in rare situations, you can get only 50% of that.
However, Aegean Airlines might propose a voucher instead of the compensation you deserve. Firstly, it’s important to remember that taking the voucher is optional. Secondly, if you do accept the voucher, ensure its value is equivalent to what the law dictates.
If Aegean Airlines isn’t responsible for your flight delay, then a voucher cannot be turned into cash, if they have even given you one. Since the delay wasn’t their fault, they are not legally obliged to provide compensation of any kind.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
In cases where a flight is overbooked and you, along with other passengers, are denied boarding against your will, you have the right to either an alternate flight or a refund to your bank account. Moreover, you may also be entitled to compensation due to being denied boarding because of overbooking.
Similar to flight delays and cancellations, if you’re due compensation, you don’t have to opt for a non-refundable voucher. You can ask for the funds to be transferred to your bank account.
If you willingly give up your seat (voluntary denied boarding), they might offer a voucher as well. Review the terms of this offer carefully, including its status – if it’s refundable or not, its validity period, and any restrictions on its use.
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.
2.5 Other Scenarios
Always be vigilant about what you’re being offered.
If you’re feeling uncertain or uneasy, it’s wise to do your own investigation to ensure you’re being treated justly. Our website discusses various circumstances where you may have a right for compensation or a refund. It’s important to remember that in many instances, Aegean Airlines is required to provide a full refund instead of a voucher, even if they propose the latter as the only solution.
Vouchers are not the same as flight compensation.
Here’s a summary of what you can get in different situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Flight delayed for 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of the airline, 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 the airline, you are entitled to flight cancellation compensation | Choice between a refund and new flight |
| 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 the airline |
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, mostly, must be made in cash or transferred directly to your bank account.
Read more:
- How to Claim Aegean Airlines Compensation?
- Your Aegean Airlines Compensation Claim Has Been Denied. What’s Next?
- Your Aegean Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Aegean Airlines Flight Is Delayed. Should You Stay Put or Go to the Airport?
3. How to Convert an Aegean Airlines Voucher into Cash?
When discussing voucher conversion into cash, there are two potential scenarios to consider.
Firstly, if you have a refundable voucher, you have the opportunity to transform it into cash. By reaching out to the airline, you can learn about the steps and conditions for exchanging your voucher for money.
Secondly, there may be situations where you receive a voucher instead of compensation or refund, despite regulations indicating that you should receive financial compensation. In this case, too, you need to contact the airline to discuss the matter. By getting in touch with them, you can articulate your apprehensions and ask for the rightful compensation in cash, not vouchers. It’s crucial to stand up for your rights and ensure you get the right reimbursement as per the law.
4. How to Ask Aegean Airlines for a Refund?
To request a refund for your Aegean Airlines flight, you can apply via the “My Bookings” section by picking “Flight Details”. Alternatively, you can also complete this form on Aegean Airlines’ website. Normally, the refund will be processed using the same payment method that you used when you purchased your ticket.
Your ticket type and the details surrounding your request will determine whether you are eligible for a full refund, partial refund, or no refund.
4.1 Request an Aegean Airlines Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In plenty of situations, you should have a choice.
According to the law, you have the right to decline Aegean Airlines gift cards or vouchers as compensation or refund. This is because EU regulations mandate both refund and UK/EU flight compensation to be paid into your bank account, unless you, as a passenger, agree to otherwise. Thus, Aegean Airlines must comply with this.
For a detailed review of all possible scenarios, please refer to the table presented above.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Aegean Airlines has issued a voucher instead of a cash refund, but you believe you were entitled to cash compensation, you can attempt to request a swap. However, the likelihood of receiving a full cash refund will be dependent on your specific case. If Aegean Airlines didn’t provide a sufficient explanation or didn’t present you with the choice between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund initially, it is still worth trying to get the money.
What is your experience with Aegean Airlines vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Aegean Airlines voucher or you could use it only for Aegean Airlines flights?