Air Canada flight downgrade compensation within the EU.
What Air Canada flights are covered? How much is the airline downgrade compensation?
Imagine this scenario: you’ve booked a first-class ticket, but at the airport, they inform you that your seat has been changed to business class or economy. Alternatively, you purchased a business class ticket, but now you’re flying economy. It’s important to know that specific rules apply to these situations. You might be eligible for downgrade compensation, but please note that these regulations only apply to Air Canada flights departing from Europe, as Air Canada is a non-EU airline.
This compensation must be provided immediately.
1. Air Canada Flight Downgrade Compensation
In the European Union, air passenger rights 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 Canada flight downgrade compensation?
If your flight class is downgraded, you can demand flight downgrade compensation. In case of an involuntary downgrade, the compensation from the airline can range from 30 to 75% of the ticket cost, depending on the flight distance. Your Air Canada baggage allowance remains unaffected. After all, it’s not your fault.
This rule is relevant to Air Canada flights from Europe.
Since Air Canada is a non-EU airline. In this situation, the regulations are valid only for flights departing from Europe.
This is all possible 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 Canada Flight Downgrade Compensation?
When a flight is downgraded, pay is usually given right away.
You shouldn’t have to take any more steps, if possible.
Thus, there should be no need for you to take extra measures. If immediate compensation is not provided, it’s critical to contact Air Canada to launch a claim. Otherwise, the compensation will not be given. Remember that flight downgrade should reflect in your bank account, and not be given as coupons or vouchers.
For any concerns, consult Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
How much is Air Canada flight downgrade compensation?
The EU regulates the compensation amounts for flight downgrades. Here is how you can calculate your Air Canada 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 the price you paid for your flight.
4. What About Complimentary Upgrades?
If there are no vacant seats in economy, you may be assigned a seat in business class. This is acceptable, but remember that Air Canada should not charge any extra fees for this upgrade.
It’s simply an involuntary upgrade provided by Air Canada.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
How does this apply when you’re flying with non-EU carriers such as Air Canada?
In these situations, the EU regulations we talked about above only apply to planes leaving Europe.
For flights on European airlines, these rules apply universally, regardless of whether the flights are inbound or outbound from Europe. However, if you’re travelling with a non-EU airline like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways or Air Canada, these rules only apply strictly to flights originating from Europe, not the other way around.
In other cases, you’ll need to refer to the domestic regulations of the departure country and the specific downgrade policies of the airline you’re using.
First Class vs. Business Class
First Class and Business Class offer unique experiences that set them apart from Economy class.
These classes are a big step up from Economy class because they offer better services, but they are not the same in terms of price or the number of extras they offer.
First Class
First Class is often regarded as the ultimate comfort that an airline can offer.
The facilities usually include a seat that can recline to a flatbed position, delicious cuisine, a wide range of beverages, and excellent customer service. Additionally, passengers enjoy access to exclusive airport lounges and priority boarding. Some airlines go a step further by offering private suites for first-class passengers, emphasizing the private and luxurious experience they provide.
Business Class
Business Class, although a noticeable upgrade from Economy, doesn’t match the opulence of First Class. The seats are more spacious and comfortable than Economy class, but may not always convert into a fully flat bed. The meals are of a better quality, and a wide range of drinks are available.
Passengers in Business Class also have access to airport lounges and are among the first to board. However, the level of privacy and personal attention may not equate to the standards offered in First Class.
What is your experience with Air Canada flight downgrades? Have you ever been downgraded on an Air Canada flight from Business to Economy? Did you receive Air Canada flight downgrade compensation?