Air Serbia flight downgrade compensation in the EU.
Does it apply to you? What amount can you claim? What regulations govern this?
Imagine this scenario: You’ve purchased a first-class ticket, but when you arrive at the airport, you’re informed that your seating class has been changed to business or economy. Similarly, if you bought a business-class ticket and find out you’ll be travelling economy instead. There are specific rules and regulations for such situations, which may entitle you to airline downgrade compensation.
Airline downgrade compensation must be provided immediately.
Check your compensation online.
1. Air Serbia Flight Downgrade Compensation
In the European Union, the rights of air passengers are strictly regulated.
- You may be entitled to flight delay compensation if your flight is delayed.
- You may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation if your flight is cancelled.
- You may be entitled to denied boarding compensation if you are denied boarding.
What about Air Serbia flight downgrade compensation?
If your flight class is downgraded, you can claim flight downgrade compensation. In the case of an involuntary downgrade, the airline may compensate you with an amount between 30 to 75% of the ticket price, depending on the length of your flight. This does not affect your Air Serbia baggage allowance. After all, the issue wasn’t caused by you.
This applies to all Air Serbia flights departing from and arriving in Europe.
For airlines registered outside the EU, this applies only to flights departing from Europe.
This is all enabled by 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 Air Serbia Flight Downgrade Compensation?
How can you get Air Serbia flight downgrade compensation?
In situations where your flight is downgraded, compensation should ideally be provided promptly with no extra action necessary on your part. However, if the compensation isn’t automatically provided, it is crucial to contact Air Serbia and submit a claim. Without taking this step, you risk missing out on your compensation.
It is important to note that you should receive the compensation in your bank account, not as coupons or vouchers. For further details, you can refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Check your compensation online.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
The specific amount of compensation that can be claimed is regulated by the EU.
Here is how you can calculate your Air Serbia flight downgrade compensation:
- 30%, if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres,
- 50%, if the distance of your flight is between 1500 – 3500 kilometres,
- 75%, if the distance of your flight is more than 3500 kilometres.
These percentages are of the price you paid for your flight.
4. What About Complimentary Upgrades?
Let’s imagine there are no vacant seats in economy class, and you are assigned a business class seat instead. That’s acceptable, but bear in mind, the airline must not ask for any additional payment for this upgrade.
It’s simply an involuntary Air Serbia upgrade.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
What if you are travelling with Qatar Airways, Etihad, or another non-European carrier?
When traveling with a non-European airline, like Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, and similar carriers, European regulations specifically apply to flights that depart from Europe. In contrast, for all other situations, your primary considerations are the laws of the country from which you are departing and the policies of the airline regarding downgrading.
For European airlines (including Air Serbia) these regulations apply to all commercial flights, irrespective of whether they commence from or conclude in Europe.
First Class vs. Business Class
The journey in First Class and Business Class on any airline boasts distinctive features.
Both classes stand out from the Economy class by offering an upgraded level of service, though they come with different price tags and a broad range of facilities.
First Class
First Class is generally perceived as the paramount comfort level an airline can offer.
First Class privileges usually include a seat that reclines to a flat position, gourmet cuisine, a wide range of drinks, and outstanding customer service. Additionally, passengers get access to exclusive airport lounges and priority boarding. Some airlines even offer private suites for first-class travellers, emphasizing the luxurious and private experience they provide.
Business Class
Business Class is definitely better than Economy, but it doesn’t match the luxury of First Class.
The seats are larger and more comfortable than Economy, although they may not recline completely flat. The meals are of higher quality, and there’s a wide selection of drinks available.
Business Class passengers also enjoy access to airport lounges and are among the first to board. However, the level of privacy and personal attention may not be on par with what is offered in First Class.
What is your experience with Air Serbia flight downgrades? Have you ever been downgraded on an Air Serbia flight from Business to Economy? Did you receive Air Serbia flight downgrade compensation?