This article will discuss Volotea vouchers.
Airline vouchers are not the same as flight compensation. Airlines may provide vouchers to passengers as a way to compensate for flight disruptions. This article will delve into these vouchers, the reasons for their issuance, and your rights as a passenger. It’s crucial to understand that vouchers cannot substitute flight compensation, and you retain the choice to refuse them.
1. Volotea Vouchers
If your Volotea flight is delayed or cancelled, you might receive a voucher as compensation/refund. These Volotea vouchers can be used as payment for tickets. But you don’t have to accept any vouchers as compensation/refund for flight disruptions.
Always keep in mind that there are limitations and drawbacks to consider. Some vouchers may have restrictions on specific routes or destinations, and they have expiration dates. If the voucher expires, you may lose the entire amount, with partial refunds offered in some cases.
It’s important to note that airline vouchers can be non-refundable or have a lower value than what you are entitled to.
Check if a voucher is refundable to have the option for a monetary refund. This allows you to purchase flights from other airlines, expanding your choices.
Consider the limitations and potential impact on your travel plans when accepting vouchers as compensation.
1.1 Why Airlines Provide Vouchers Instead of Monetary Compensation/Refund?
What is the reason why you were offered Volotea vouchers instead of compensation?
Airlines often offer vouchers instead of immediate monetary compensation to passengers affected by flight disruptions. This practice helps manage costs, retain customer loyalty, and streamline administrative processes. Vouchers allow airlines to control expenses, encourage continued service usage, and simplify resolution procedures.
2. Volotea Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What led to you being issued a Volotea voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In the event of a flight cancellation, you are entitled to a choice.
When Volotea cancels your flight, they are obligated to offer you two alternatives: a cancellation refund or a replacement flight to your final destination. This substitute flight can be with Volotea or another airline, at no additional cost to you. In some cases, you may also qualify for compensation due to the flight cancellation.
Remember that Volotea refund and compensation should be deposited in your bank account. The airline may propose a voucher, but it’s your choice whether to accept it or not.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
The regulations differ slightly if you, the passenger, opt to cancel your flight.
Volotea’s policy indicates that your refund eligibility is largely based on the fare conditions of your ticket.
For refundable tickets, you can obtain a full refund. If your ticket is non-refundable, you might not receive a full refund. Instead, Volotea might issue a voucher for future flights with them.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to read the particular terms and conditions associated with your ticket to establish your rights if you decide to cancel.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two primary possibilities.
Either Volotea was at fault, or the delay wasn’t caused by the airline.
If Volotea is accountable for your flight delay, you could be eligible for flight delay compensation. It’s crucial to verify your eligibility and insist on no less than what you are due.
The procedures and amounts for flight compensation are dictated by European Union regulations. Usually, compensation ranges from 250 to 600 euros, though in rare cases you may only receive 50% of that.
Volotea may propose Volotea vouchers instead of the compensation you are entitled to. First, understand that accepting a voucher is entirely voluntary. If you do choose to accept a voucher, ensure that its value equals the amount mandated by law.
If Volotea is not responsible for your flight delay, then a voucher, if they’ve issued one, cannot be redeemed for cash. As they didn’t cause the delay, they are not legally required to provide 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 a refund to your bank account or a replacement flight. Additionally, you could be eligible for denied boarding compensation due to being denied boarding as a result of overbooking.
As with flight delays and cancellations, if you’re owed compensation, you’re not required to accept a non-refundable voucher. You can ask for the funds to be transferred to your bank account.
If you voluntarily give up your seat, you may receive a voucher as well. It is crucial to read the conditions of the offer carefully, including whether it is refundable or non-refundable, its expiry date, and any usage restrictions.
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 Situations
As always, check the options provided to you.
Should you encounter any uncertainties or worries, it’s recommended to confirm if your rights are being respected.
Our website elaborates on a range of scenarios where you could be eligible for compensation or a refund. It’s important to be aware that in numerous instances, Volotea is obliged to provide a full refund instead of Volotea vouchers, even if the latter is suggested as the sole solution.
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 Volotea, 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 Volotea, 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 Volotea |
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 Volotea Compensation?
- Your Volotea Compensation Claim Is Rejected. Now What?
- Your Volotea Refund Is Delayed. How Can You Address It?
- Your Volotea Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange Volotea Voucher for Cash?
When it comes to transforming a voucher into cash, there are two circumstances to take note of.
First and foremost, if you hold a refundable voucher, you can opt to turn this into a cash value. By getting in touch with the airline, you can explore the process for switching the voucher into cash.
Secondly, there might be situations where you are handed a voucher for compensation or refund, despite the norms dictating that you should be furnished with monetary compensation. In such a case too, the need to connect with the airline arises. By communicating with them, you can voice your concerns and demand proper compensation in cash rather than a voucher. It is vital to keep your rights and ensure that you receive the due refund as per the law.
4. How to Request a Refund From Volotea?
If you wish to secure a refund for your ticket, it can be applied for in the “Manage My Booking” section. The refund will be processed using the same method of payment used during ticket booking.
Depending on your ticket type and the circumstances surrounding your request, you may be eligible for a full refund, partial refund or no refund at all.
4.1 Demand a Volotea Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In many situations, you should have a choice.
Under the law, you have the right to refuse Volotea vouchers as compensation or refund. It is because EU regulations require both a refund and EU flight compensation to be paid to your bank account, unless you, as a passenger, agree to anything else. So Volotea must provide that instead of vouchers.
For a comprehensive overview of all potential situations, please refer to the table provided above.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Volotea has given you a voucher instead of a cash refund, but you think that you were entitled to cash compensation, you can try to request a swap. However, the success of obtaining a full cash refund will depend on the specifics of your case.
If Volotea did not provide an explanation or did not offer you the option to choose between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund in the beginning, it is still worth trying to obtain the money.
What is your experience with Volotea vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Volotea voucher or you could use it only for Volotea flights?