Brussels Airlines flight downgrade compensation within the EU.
Can you qualify for it? How much can you ask for? What’s the procedure?
Imagine you’ve secured a first class ticket, but upon reaching the airport you discover that you’ll be flying business class or economy instead? Or you’ve got a business class ticket and you’re later required to fly in economy? There are specific rules for these scenarios. And, indeed, you could be eligible for compensation from Brussels Airlines. This is applicable to all Brussels Airlines flights to and from Europe.
Compensation must be provided immediately.
1. Brussels Airlines Flight Downgrade Compensation
Are you entitled to Brussels Airlines flight downgrade compensation?
In the EU, passenger rights in the air travel industry are regulated.
- For delayed flights, you can claim flight delay compensation.
- In case of cancellation – flight cancellation compensation.
- If you experience denied boarding due to overbooking – denied boarding compensation.
In case of a downgrade, you are entitled to flight downgrade compensation. The compensation amount for involuntary downgrade can range from 30 to 75% of the ticket cost, based on your flight’s distance. It doesn’t alter your Brussels Airlines baggage allowance. After all, the downgrade isn’t your fault.
This applies to all Brussels Airlines flights to and from Europe.
For non-EU airlines, it is only applicable to flights originating from 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 Brussels Airlines Flight Downgrade Compensation?
Brussels Airlines flight downgrade compensation is supposed to be paid on the spot.
So, under normal circumstances, there’s nothing you need to do.
If the compensation isn’t provided immediately, make sure to contact Brussels Airlines and file a claim. It’s important to remember that this compensation should be transferred to your bank account. You are not required to accept any coupons or vouchers. In case of any problems, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
The EU regulates the compensation amounts.
Here’s how you can estimate your Brussels Airlines flight downgrade 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 represent the price you paid for your flight.
4. What About Free Upgrades?
Let’s say the economy class is full, and you’re provided with a seat in the business class. That’s fine, but remember that the airline cannot charge any additional fee for this upgrade.
It’s nothing more than an involuntary Brussels Airlines upgrade.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
What if you are flying with Emirates or Etihad Airways, instead of Brussels Airlines?
In these instances, all regulations mentioned apply strictly to flights leaving from Europe. For all other scenarios, you would need to refer to the local laws of your departure country and the airline’s specific downgrading policies.
For European carriers, these laws are applicable to all commercial flights originating from and going to Europe.
First Class vs. Business Class
First Class and Business Class in airline travel each have their own unique set of benefits and costs, but both significantly outperform Economy class in terms of service quality.
First Class
First Class typically mirrors the best an airline can deliver in terms of comfort.
Amenities usually comprise of a seat that can be fully reclined, gourmet meals, a broad selection of beverages and personalized services. Access to exclusive airport lounges and priority boarding is a given. Some airlines go the extra mile by providing private suites for first-class passengers, underlining privacy and opulence.
Business Class
Though Business Class is still a step up from Economy, it doesn’t quite reach the extravagance of First Class. The seats are comfortable and larger than those in Economy class, but they may not always be fully convertible into a flat bed. High-quality meals are offered along with a choice of beverages. Passengers in this class also gain access to airport lounges, and get priority boarding.
However, the degree of privacy and personalized attention may not reach the levels experienced in First Class.
What is your experience with Brussels Airlines downgrades? Have you ever experienced that? Have you ever been downgraded on a Brussels Airlines flight from Business to Economy?