This article will discuss Air Serbia vouchers.
What are Air Serbia voucher types? Is there a way to convert a voucher into cash?
Airlines, including Air Serbia, often provide vouchers as a solution for flight disruptions. However, it’s important to understand that vouchers are not the same as compensation. This article aims to clarify when Air Serbia issues vouchers and what your entitlements are in these situations. It’s worth noting that choosing a voucher is generally optional and vouchers do not replace flight compensation.
Check your compensation online.
1. Air Serbia Vouchers
Vouchers are essentially coupons that come with a predetermined value and can be used to book flights from an airline’s website.
Air Serbia, like many other airlines, sporadically gives out vouchers to passengers. There are primarily two kinds of Air Serbia vouchers: Air Serbia gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Air Serbia “Gift Cards” – These are standard travel gift cards available for purchase on the airline’s website. You can use them to pay for Air Serbia flights that you are booking. Anyone can buy such a gift card.
- Air Serbia compensation vouchers – These Air Serbia vouchers operate in a manner similar to gift cards. However, the crucial difference lies in the fact that these vouchers are dispensed by Air Serbia in the face of flight disruptions (e.g., flight delay, flight cancellation, overbooking).
The process of obtaining a gift card is fairly straightforward – it’s either bought by you or given to you as a present.
But what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers given as reimbursement for a cancelled flight? Continue reading to find out more.
2. Air Serbia Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What event led you to receive Air Serbia vouchers?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a choice.
If Air Serbia cancels your flight, they are required to provide you with two options: a refund for cancellation or an alternative flight to your final destination. This substitute flight can be either with Air Serbia or another airline, at no additional cost to you. In certain scenarios, you may also be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Bear in mind that an Air Serbia refund and compensation should be deposited into your bank account. While the airline may suggest a voucher, accepting it isn’t compulsory.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
If you, the passenger, opt to cancel your flight, different conditions apply.
Air Serbia’s policy details that your refund eligibility is mainly based on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you have a refundable ticket, then you can claim a refund. However, if your ticket is non-refundable, you might not be eligible for a full refund. Instead, Air Serbia might propose a voucher for future travel on their flights.
Regardless, it is crucial to thoroughly review the precise terms and conditions associated with your ticket to comprehend your entitlements in the event of cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two most likely scenarios.
Either the delay was caused by Air Serbia, or it wasn’t the airline’s fault.
If Air Serbia is responsible for your flight delay, you might be entitled to flight delay compensation. It’s crucial to confirm your eligibility and demand your rightful compensation. Compensation rules and procedures are governed by the European Union and can range from 250 to 600 euros, though in some instances, you may merely receive half of that.
Air Serbia may offer Air Serbia vouchers instead of the designated compensation. Keep in mind that accepting the voucher is your choice. If you decide to accept it, ensure that its value meets the legal requirements.
If the flight delay is not Air Serbia’s fault, then a voucher cannot be cashed, assuming they have even issued you one. Since they aren’t accountable for the delay, they aren’t legally obliged to offer any type of compensation.
Check your compensation online.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
When flights are overbooked, you or other passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding.
As a passenger, you have the right to choose between a replacement flight or a refund transferred to your bank account. Additionally, you may be eligible for denied boarding compensation.
Similar to flight delays and cancellations, if compensation is owed, you are not forced to accept a non-refundable voucher. You can request that the money be sent to your bank account.
If you voluntarily give up your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you may be given a voucher. It’s crucial to carefully scrutinize the conditions of the offer, including whether it’s refundable or non-refundable, its expiration date, and any usage restrictions.
2.5 Other Situations
Always pay close attention to what you are offered.
It’s highly recommended to fact-check yourself for fair treatment. Our platform offers detailed insights into different scenarios where you may be eligible for a refund or compensation. Remember, the airline is legally obligated to provide a full refund or monetary compensation instead of a voucher, regardless of the alternatives they suggest.
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 Air Serbia, 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 Air Serbia, 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 Air Serbia |
The compensation you may receive will depend on the situation and could include a refund, compensation, or both. It is critical to understand that any payment due to you should be made in cash or directly deposited into your bank account, depending on the circumstances.
Read more:
- How to Claim Air Serbia Compensation?
- Your Air Serbia Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Air Serbia Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Air Serbia Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Convert Air Serbia Voucher into Cash?
When discussing the conversion of Air Serbia vouchers into cash, two scenarios come to mind.
Firstly, if you hold a refundable voucher, you have the option to cash it. By contacting Air Serbia, you can inquire about the procedure and requirements for converting your voucher into money.
Additionally, there may be situations where you receive a voucher instead of the required cash compensation, despite regulations stating otherwise. If this occurs, it is crucial to contact the airline to rectify the issue. By initiating communication, you can express your concerns and request the appropriate cash compensation as mandated by the law. It is important to assert your rights and ensure you receive the correct refund according to the legal requirements.
4. How to Request a Refund From Air Serbia?
To request a refund for your ticket with Air Serbia, navigate to your booking in the “My Trips” section.
The refund process will use the same payment method you used when booking your ticket. The refund policy varies based on your ticket type and the specific circumstances of your request.
Check your compensation online.
4.1 Insisting on an Air Serbia Refund (or Compensation), Not Air Serbia Voucher
You should always be offered a choice in these situations.
According to the law, you have the right to decline Air Serbia vouchers as compensation or refund. EU regulations state that both a refund and EU flight compensation should be directly deposited into your bank account, unless you, the passenger, agree to a different arrangement. Therefore, Air Serbia is obligated to offer this alternative instead of vouchers.
For a comprehensive overview of all potential scenarios, please refer to the previous table.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Air Serbia has issued a voucher instead of giving you a cash compensation/refund, but you believe you were entitled to receive cash compensation/refund, you can consider requesting an exchange. Your chance of obtaining a full cash refund/compensation will depend on the specific details of your case. If Air Serbia has failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or did not initially offer you the option of choosing between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund, it is definitely worth attempting to obtain the money.
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.
What is your experience with Air Serbia vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Air Serbia voucher or you could use it only for Air Serbia flights?