Flight downgrade compensation in the EU.
Are you qualified for it? How much can you expect? What are the rules?
Imagine booking a premium class ticket only to find out upon arrival at the airport that you’ve been downgraded to a lower class. Whether it’s from first class to business or business to economy, EU laws have specific regulations for such situations. And, yes, Finnair is required to provide you with compensation. This applies to all Finnair flights to, within and from Europe.
Airline downgrade compensation has to be offered right on the spot.
1. Finnair Flight Downgrade Compensation
The rights of air passengers in the EU are firmly regulated.
- If your Finnair flight is delayed, you can get flight delay compensation.
- If it’s cancelled – flight cancellation compensation.
- If you are denied boarding – denied boarding compensation.
In the event of a downgrade, you are entitled to flight downgrade compensation. The potential compensation for involuntary downgrade ranges from 30% to 75% of the ticket price, determined by the distance of your flight. It doesn’t affect your Finnair baggage allowance. Because it isn’t your fault that you have been downgraded.
This is applicable to all Finnair flights from, within or to Europe.
For airlines outside the EU, this only applies to flights departing from Europe.
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 makes all of this possible.
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 Finnair Downgrade Compensation?
Ideally, airline downgrade compensation must be paid immediately.
So, in a normal situation you shouldn’t have to do anything.
However, if that doesn’t happen, it’s essential to reach out to Finnair and file a claim. If you decide to do nothing, Finnair will likely do the same. The compensation should be transferred directly to your bank account. No need to accept any Finnair vouchers or coupons.
If any issues arise, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 for guidance.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
The EU regulates the compensation amounts.
Here’s how to determine your Finnair flight downgrade compensation:
- 30%, if your flight covers a distance up to 1500 kilometres,
- 50%, if your flight covers a distance between 1500 – 3500 kilometres,
- 75%, if your flight covers a distance more than 3500 kilometres.
These percentages are based on the price you paid for your flight.
4. What About Free Upgrades?
Suppose the economy class is fully booked, and you are offered a seat in business class. That’s acceptable, but bear in mind that the airline cannot charge you extra for this upgrade.
It’s simply an involuntary Finnair upgrade.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
What if your flight is with Emirates or Delta Airlines, not Finnair?
In such scenarios, EU regulations are only applicable to flights that are leaving Europe.
With airlines based in Europe, these rules are enforced on all commercial flights departing from and arriving in Europe (as well as within Europe). However, if you are flying with a non-EU airline, like Delta Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Emirates, these regulations are only applicable to their flights departing from Europe, not the other direction. In other cases, you’ll need to depend on the local laws of the departure country and the respective airline’s downgrading policies.
First Class vs Business Class
When it comes to air travel, there are clear variances between First Class and Business Class, both in terms of price and the range of amenities offered. Nonetheless, both these classes provide significantly superior services compared to Economy class.
First Class
First Class typically symbolizes the pinnacle of comfort an airline can provide.
The services usually consist of a seat that converts into a bed, gourmet meals, an extensive variety of beverages, and individualized service. As a first-class passenger, you’ll be able to utilize exclusive lounges at the airport and enjoy priority boarding. Some airlines even provide private suites for first-class passengers, focusing on privacy and luxury.
Business Class
While Business Class is still considered an upgrade from Economy, it doesn’t offer the same level of luxury as First Class. The seats are larger and more comfortable than those in Economy class but may not always transform into a fully flat bed. The meals are gourmet, and there’s a wide variety of drinks. Business Class passengers also get access to airport lounges and are among the first to board.
However, the level of privacy and personal attention may not be as high as in First Class.
What is your experience with Finnair downgrades? Have you ever experienced that? Have you ever been downgraded on a Finnair flight from Business to Economy? Did you receive flight downgrade compensation?
Featured photo by Pew Nguyen from Pexels