This article will discuss Finnair vouchers.
What are Finnair voucher types? How can one convert a Finnair voucher into cash?
Airline vouchers are often provided as a compensation for flight disruptions, but it’s important to understand these are not the same as compensation. This article will inform you on the common circumstances where Finnair issues vouchers and will clarify your rights in these situations. It’s crucial to remember that you are not obliged to accept any vouchers from the airline.
Voucher is not the same as flight compensation.
1. Finnair Vouchers
Vouchers represent coupons with a specific value that can be used for payments.
Finnair, like many airlines, issues vouchers to their passengers. They are usually of two types: Finnair gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Finnair Gift Cards – these are regular flight gift cards that can be bought directly from the airline’s website. These cards can be used to pay for Finnair flights. You can either gift these cards or purchase them for personal use.
- Finnair compensation vouchers – these Finnair vouchers can be used similarly to gift cards, however, these are provided by Finnair in case of flight disruptions (e.g., flight delay, flight cancellation, overbooking).
Receiving a gift card is simple – it’s either gifted to you or you have bought it for personal use.
But what about compensation vouchers? For further insight into this type of vouchers or vouchers received as a refund for an unused flight, continue reading.
2. Finnair Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What led you to receive a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In case your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a choice.
If Finnair cancels your flight, they are obliged to provide you with two alternatives: a refund for cancellation or a replacement flight to your final destination. This alternate flight could be with Finnair or another airline and should be provided at no additional cost. In some cases, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Bear in mind that Finnair refund and compensation should be transferred to your bank account. The airline may propose a voucher, but it’s not mandatory to accept it.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
If you, as a passenger, choose to cancel your flight, the regulations slightly vary.
Finnair’s policy dictates that your eligibility for a refund largely depends on the fare conditions of your ticket.
For a refundable ticket, you can claim a full refund. However, for a non-refundable ticket, you might not be able to get a full refund. Instead, Finnair may offer a voucher for future travel with the airline.
It’s crucial to check the specific terms and conditions associated with your ticket to validate your rights in the event of cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
Two scenarios are most common.
Either it was Finnair’s fault, or the delay wasn’t because of Finnair.
If Finnair is at fault for your flight delay, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation. It’s crucial to verify your eligibility and demand the full entitlement. The procedure and the compensation amount are dictated by regulations set by the European Union. The compensation typically varies between 250 to 600 euros, in rare cases you may receive only 50% of this value.
However, you may be issued a Finnair voucher as an alternative to cash compensation. First and foremost, remember that acceptance of a voucher is not mandatory. Secondly, if you do accept a voucher, ensure its value corresponds to the legally mandated amount.
If Finnair is not responsible for your flight delay, then a voucher cannot be exchanged for cash, if they have even issued one. Since they are not liable for the delay, they are not legally obligated to provide any form of compensation.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
In cases where the flight is overbooked, you along with other passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding. As a passenger, you are entitled to either a replacement flight or a refund to your bank account. Furthermore, you may also be eligible for denied boarding compensation if you were bumped from the plane due to overbooking.
Similar to flight delays and cancellations, if compensation is due you don’t need to accept a non-refundable voucher. You can demand the funds to be transferred to your bank account.
In case you voluntarily give up your seat, you might also be given a voucher. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the offer terms, such as whether it’s refundable or non-refundable, its validity period, and any constraints 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 Circumstances
It’s always wise to remain vigilant about what you’re being offered.
If any doubts or questions arise, always undertake your own research to make sure if you’re receiving fair treatment. Our site delves into numerous situations where you might be eligible for compensation or a refund.
In a number of situations, customers may be issued Finnair vouchers. It’s crucial to remember that these vouchers are not the same as flight compensation. You don’t have to accept the vouchers if you don’t want to.
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 Finnair, 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 Finnair, 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 Finnair |
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.
Read more:
- How to Claim Finnair Compensation?
- Your Finnair Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Waiting Too Long For Your Finnair Refund? Here’s What You Can Do
- Your Finnair Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange Finnair Voucher for Cash?
When it comes to transforming vouchers into cash, there are two key situations to take into account.
Firstly, if you hold a refundable voucher, you have the opportunity to exchange it for cash. By reaching out to the airline, you can find out about the process and requirements for converting the voucher into cash.
Secondly, there could be instances where you’ve been issued a voucher in place of compensation or refund, despite the regulations stating that you should be given monetary compensation. In such a situation too, it is essential to reach out to the airline to resolve the matter. By contacting them, you can articulate your concerns and demand the correct compensation in cash, rather than a voucher. It is crucial to stand up for your rights and ensure that you receive the correct reimbursement in accordance with the law.
4. How to Request a Refund from Finnair?
If you wish to secure a refund for your ticket, you may apply for a refund through the “Manage Booking” section. The refund will be processed using the same payment method that you utilised when booking your ticket.
Depending on the type of ticket you have and the conditions leading up to your request, you may be eligible for a full refund, partial refund or no refund at all.
4.1 Demand a Finnair Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In many scenarios, you should have an option.
According to the law, you have the right to refuse Finnair gift cards or vouchers as refund or compensation. This is because EU rules stipulate that both refund and UK/EU flight compensation should be transferred to your bank account, unless you, the passenger, agree to something else. Therefore, Finnair must provide that instead of vouchers.
For a complete review of all potential scenarios, please refer to the table provided above.
But what if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Finnair provided you with a voucher in place of a cash refund, but you believe that you were entitled to monetary compensation, you can attempt to request a switch. However, the likelihood of obtaining a full cash refund will depend on the specifics of your situation. If Finnair did not provide a satisfactory explanation or did not initially offer you the option to choose between a voucher and cash compensation/refund, it is still worth pursuing the money.
If you have further inquiries regarding Finnair vouchers and your entitlements in the event of flight disruptions, feel free to ask in the comments section.
Featured photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels