In this post, we will be examining Turkish Airlines vouchers.
What types of vouchers does Turkish Airlines offer? How can you turn a voucher into cash?
Airlines often provide vouchers for disrupted flights, but it’s important to note that these vouchers are not equivalent to compensation. This post will explain when and why Turkish Airlines typically issues vouchers, as well as your entitlements in these situations. Remember, accepting a voucher is usually optional. It’s essential to understand that vouchers are not a substitute for flight compensation.
These EU laws are applicable to Turkish Airlines flights departing from Europe.
1. Turkish Airlines Vouchers
Vouchers are coupons that come with a predetermined value and can be used to book flights on airlines’ websites. Turkish Airlines, just like other airlines, issues vouchers to its travellers when there are flight disruptions.
There are essentially two types of Turkish Airlines vouchers: Turkish Airlines gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Turkish Airlines Gift Cards – These are regular travel gift cards. They can be bought on Turkish Airlines website and used as payment for flights booked through Turkish Airlines. You have the option to buy such a gift card for yourself.
- Turkish Airlines compensation vouchers – These Turkish Airlines vouchers can be used in the same way as gift cards. The primary difference is these vouchers get issued by Turkish Airlines due to flight irregularities (e.g., flight delay, flight cancellation, overbooking).
Getting a gift card is rather simple – it’s either bought by you or given to you as a present.
But what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers issued as a refund for a cancelled flight? Continue reading to find out more.
2. Turkish Airlines Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What event led you to receive Turkish Airlines vouchers?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In the event of your flight cancellation, you are entitled to make a choice.
If Turkish Airlines cancels your flight, they are obligated to offer you two options: a refund for cancellation or a replacement flight to your final destination. The alternate journey can be with Turkish Airlines or another airline, furnished at no extra charge. In specific circumstances, you may also be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Bear in mind that a Turkish Airlines refund and compensation should be credited to your bank account. The airline could propose a voucher, but it’s not obligatory for you to accept it.
As Turkish Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Turkish Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
If you, the passenger, opt to cancel your flight, different regulations apply.
The Turkish Airlines policy stipulates that refund eligibility is largely governed by the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you have a refundable ticket, you can claim a refund. If your ticket is non-refundable, you may not be entitled to a full refund. Instead, Turkish Airlines might present a voucher for future travel with the airline.
Nevertheless, scrutinizing the specific terms and conditions relevant to your ticket is crucial to ascertain your rights if a cancellation occurs.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two primary possibilities.
Either Turkish Airlines was responsible, or the airline was not at fault for the delay.
If Turkish Airlines is responsible for your flight delay, you could be eligible for flight delay compensation. To ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, it’s important to confirm your eligibility and stand firm. The rules set by the European Union define the process and entitlement for flight compensation. Typically, compensation ranges from 250 to 600 euros, although in some cases, you may receive only 50% of that amount.
However, Turkish Airlines might suggest Turkish Airlines vouchers in lieu of the due compensation. Firstly, remember that accepting a voucher is entirely up to you. Secondly, if you do decide on a voucher, make sure that its value complies with the legal obligations.
If the delay was not caused by Turkish Airlines, then a voucher cannot be exchanged for cash, assuming they have offered one. Since they are not responsible for the delay, they are not legally obligated to provide any compensation.
As Turkish Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Turkish Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
In instances of flight overbooking, you or other passengers might be involuntarily denied boarding. As a passenger, you are entitled to either a replacement flight or a refund transferred to your bank account. Additionally, you might be eligible for denied boarding compensation.
As with flight delays and cancellations, if compensation is due, you have no obligation to accept a non-refundable voucher. You have the right to ask for the funds to be transferred to your bank account.
As Turkish Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Turkish Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
2.5 Other Circumstances
Always be vigilant about the type of proposal you receive to ensure you’re treated fairly. It’s a good idea to conduct your own investigations to confirm this. On our website, you can find valuable information about various situations where you might be eligible for compensation or a refund.
Keep in mind that if your Turkish Airlines flight departs from a European airport, the airline is legally obligated to provide a full refund or financial compensation instead of a voucher, regardless of any 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 Turkish Airlines, 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 Turkish Airlines, 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 canceled 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 Turkish Airlines |
The compensation you receive will vary based on your particular situation. It may include a refund, compensation, or both. Please note that any payment you are entitled to will be provided in cash or transferred directly to your bank account, depending on the circumstances.
As Turkish Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Turkish Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Read more:
- How to Claim Turkish Airlines Compensation?
- Your Turkish Airlines Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Turkish Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. How Can You Expedite It?
- Your Turkish Airlines Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Convert Turkish Airlines Voucher into Cash?
When discussing voucher conversion to cash, there are two scenarios that need consideration.
Firstly, if you have a refundable voucher, you can opt to change it into cash. By contacting Turkish Airlines, you can enquire about the process and prerequisites for turning your voucher into money.
There may be instances where you receive a voucher instead of a refund or compensation, even though regulations stipulate that you should be given monetary recompense. In such cases, it’s crucial to contact the airline to address the issue. By initiating a conversation, you can express your concerns and request the appropriate monetary compensation instead of a voucher. It’s important to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the rightful compensation as mandated by the law.
As Turkish Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Turkish Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
4. How to Apply for a Refund From Turkish Airlines?
If you wish to apply for a refund for your ticket, you can do this by visiting your booking in the “Manage Booking” section. The refund will be processed using the same mode of payment that you used when purchasing your ticket.
The type of ticket you have and the specific situations related to your request will determine if you are eligible for a full refund, partial refund, or no refund at all.
4.1 Insisting on a Turkish Airlines Refund (or Compensation), Not a Turkish Airlines Voucher
In most cases, you should be given an option.
According to the law, you have the right to decline Turkish Airlines vouchers as compensation or refund. EU regulations require that both refunds and UK/EU flight compensation be paid directly to your bank account, unless you, as the passenger, agree to a different arrangement. Therefore, Turkish Airlines must offer this option instead of vouchers.
Always remember that these EU regulations only apply to Turkish Airlines flights departing from Europe.
For a comprehensive overview of all possible scenarios, please refer to the table provided earlier.
What if you’ve already accepted a voucher?
If Turkish Airlines has given you a voucher instead of a cash refund or compensation, and you believe you should have received cash, you can try to request a swap. Whether you can get a full cash refund depends on your specific situation. If Turkish Airlines did not provide a satisfactory explanation or did not initially offer you the choice between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund, it’s worth trying to get 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 Turkish Airlines vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Turkish Airlines voucher or you could use it only for Turkish Airlines flights?