Turkish Airlines flight downgrade compensation within the EU.
Which Turkish Airlines flights are covered? How much can you request?
Imagine this scenario: you purchase a first-class seat, but upon arrival at the airport, you are assigned a business-class or economy seat instead. Similarly, if you possess a business-class ticket but are informed that you will be travelling in economy class. In such cases, there are specific guidelines to follow. You may be entitled to airline downgrade compensation. It’s important to note that these regulations solely apply to Turkish Airlines flights departing from Europe, as Turkish Airlines is a non-EU carrier.
This compensation should be paid immediately.
1. Turkish Airlines Flight Downgrade Compensation
In the European Union, air passenger rights are strictly maintained.
- You could be owed flight delay compensation if your flight is delayed.
- You could be owed flight cancellation compensation if your flight is called off.
- You could be owed denied boarding compensation if you are not allowed to board.
What about Turkish Airlines flight downgrade compensation?
In the event your flight class is downgraded on a Turkish Airlines flight, you can ask for flight downgrade compensation. If the downgrade is not by choice, the compensation from your airline could vary from 30 to 75% of the cost of the ticket, depending on the length of your journey. This has no effect on your Turkish Airlines baggage allowance. After all, the fault does not lie with you.
This guideline applies to Turkish Airlines flights from Europe.
Since Turkish Airlines is a non-EU airline. This means, the rules are relevant only for flights leaving Europe.
All this is made 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 Turkish Airlines Flight Downgrade Compensation?
When it comes to flight downgrades, compensation is typically provided right away.
Ideally, no further steps should be necessary on your part.
If this is not the case, be sure to make contact with Turkish Airlines and lodge a claim. If left unclaimed, you will not receive airline downgrade compensation. It’s important to remember that any compensation for a flight downgrade should be deposited directly into your bank account. You are not required to accept Turkish Airlines vouchers.
For any irregularities, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
As Turkish Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Turkish Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
How much is Turkish Airlines flight downgrade compensation?
The EU sets the amounts for compensation. To understand how much you can claim as your downgrade compensation, consider the following:
- 30%, if the distance travelled is less than 1500 kilometres,
- 50%, if the distance travelled is between 1500 – 3500 kilometres,
- 75%, if the distance traveled is greater than 3500 kilometers.
These percentages are calculated based on the price you paid for your ticket.
4. What About Complimentary Upgrades?
If the economy section is full and you’re offered a seat in business class, remember that Turkish Airlines cannot charge you extra for this upgrade.
It’s simply an involuntary upgrade provided by Turkish Airlines.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
You’re travelling with Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways or other non-EU airline.
In these cases, EU regulations mentioned above only apply to flights departing from Europe.
If your flight arrives in Europe from a destination outside of Europe, it is important to refer to the local laws of the departure country and the specific downgrade policies of the airline in question.
European airlines follow these regulations for all their commercial flights, regardless of whether they are inbound or outbound from Europe.
First Class vs. Business Class
Travelling in the First Class and Business Class of an airline provides its own distinctive experience.
Both these classes offer a substantial upgrade from Economy class by providing high-quality services, but they vary in terms of cost and the range of amenities provided.
First Class
The First Class is often regarded as the epitome of comfort offered by an airline.
The facilities typically include a seat that fully reclines, gourmet food and beverages, and superior customer service. It also offers access to exclusive airport lounges and priority boarding. Some airlines go beyond and provide private suites for first-class passengers, emphasising the privacy and luxury they offer.
Business Class
Business Class, although a significant upgrade from Economy, does not quite achieve the luxury of First Class. The seats are broader and more comfortable than those in Economy class but may not always fully recline. The food is of a higher quality, and a wide range of beverages is provided as well.
Business Class passengers also gain access to airport lounges and are among the first to board. However, the privacy level and personal attention provided may not match those offered in the First Class.
What is your experience with Turkish Airlines flight downgrades? Have you ever been downgraded on a Turkish Airlines flight from Business to Economy? Did you receive Turkish Airlines flight downgrade compensation?