This article is about Brussels Airlines vouchers and how to convert them into cash.
Airline vouchers are not the same as flight compensation, but they are offered by airlines as a way to make up for flight disruptions. The article will explain more about Brussels Airlines vouchers, the reasons behind their distribution, and your rights as a passenger. Remember that you usually have the option to decline vouchers and that they cannot be used in place of flight compensation.
1. Brussels Airlines Vouchers
If your Brussels Airlines flight is delayed or cancelled, you might receive a Brussels Airlines voucher.
These vouchers can be used as a payment method for buying airline tickets. Airlines issue these vouchers as a way of compensating passengers for the inconvenience they experienced due to flight delays or cancellations. But it is not compulsory to accept these vouchers as compensation or a refund.
One of the significant drawbacks of airline vouchers is that they can be limited by availability and restrictions. Some airlines may restrict the use of vouchers for certain routes and destinations.
Another significant drawback of airline vouchers is their expiration dates. If you do not use your voucher before it expires, you might lose the entire amount. In some cases, airlines may offer a partial refund, but it can be frustrating to watch your hard-earned money disappear due to an expired voucher.
Additionally, it is important to note that airline vouchers have the potential to be non-refundable. If Brussels Airlines issues you a voucher, it easily could be a non-refundable voucher, or a voucher with a smaller value than you are entitled to. Such vouchers can only be utilized for booking flights through the Brussels Airlines website. It is worth considering that this may not be the optimal choice, as it could result in overpaying for your flight due to the limitations imposed by being restricted to the use of the voucher exclusively on the Brussels Airlines website.
If a voucher is refundable, you have the option to request a monetary refund. With this refund, you can choose to purchase flights from a different airline, expanding your possibilities beyond the original issuing airline.
2. Brussels Airlines Voucher (Refund/Compensation)
Have you experienced a flight disruption with Brussels Airlines?
As a refund or compensation for the inconvenience caused, a Brussels Airlines voucher has been provided to you.
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
If you have received a Brussels Airlines voucher as compensation or refund, it means your flight was cancelled. When this happens, the airline must offer you the option of either a full refund or an alternate flight to your final destination. The alternate flight can be with Brussels Airlines or another airline and should not cost you anything.
If your flight gets cancelled, you might be able to receive compensation. Check out our guide on Brussels Airlines flight cancellation compensation for more details. Remember, any refunds or compensation you’re entitled to should be directly deposited into your bank account.
You are not obligated to accept vouchers from Brussels Airlines.
Refund and compensation must be paid to your bank account.
2.2 Your Flight Was Delayed
If your flight is delayed, there are two possible reasons – either it’s the airline’s fault or not. In case it’s the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to receive flight delay compensation. To ensure that you receive the full amount that you are owed, it’s important to determine if you qualify for compensation and not accept anything less.
The European Union has established rules regarding flight compensation, including the amounts given which typically range between 250 and 600 euros. Brussels Airlines may provide passengers with a voucher as an alternative to cash compensation, but this does not need to be accepted. If you do choose to accept a voucher, be certain that its value meets the legal requirements.
Remember that if your flight delay was not caused by Brussels Airlines’s fault, the airline is not obligated to provide compensation as they are not responsible for the delay. It is important to note that Brussels Airlines vouchers are rarely given for delays, and they cannot be exchanged for cash.
2.3 You Were Denied Boarding
In the event that you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to certain rights and options. Firstly, you have the right to either be provided with an alternative flight or receive a refund directly to your bank account. Additionally, if you have been involuntarily denied boarding, you may be eligible for compensation.
Similar to situations involving delays and cancellations, if you meet the criteria for compensation, you are not obligated to accept a non-refundable voucher. Instead, you have the choice to have the compensation amount directly transferred to your bank account.
Should you decide to voluntarily surrender your seat, you may be offered various incentives such as cash, miles, points, or Brussels Airlines vouchers. However, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with any offer presented to you. This includes examining whether the offer is refundable or non-refundable, noting its validity period, and being aware of any limitations on its usage.
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.
2.4 Other Situations
When presented with offers, assess them thoroughly.
If you are unsure, conduct your own research to make sure you are treated fairly. Refer to our website for helpful details about qualifications for compensation or refunds.
It’s important to know that even if Brussels Airlines offers a voucher, you may still be entitled to a full reimbursement or compensation.
Here’s a summary of what you can get in what situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Flight delayed for 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of Brussels Airlines, you are entitled to flight delay compensation | No |
| Flight delayed less than 3 hours | No | No |
| Flight cancelled less than 2 weeks before the flight | If it’s due to the fault of Brussels Airlines, you are entitled to flight cancellation compensation | You can choose between a refund and a new flight |
| Flight cancelled more than 2 weeks before the flight | No | You can choose between a refund and a new flight |
| You are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking | You can get denied boarding compensation | You can choose between a refund and a new flight |
| You have given up your seat (voluntary denied boarding) | No | As per agreement with Brussels Airlines |
If you are entitled to a monetary compensation or refund, you don’t have to accept any vouchers, especially non-refundable ones.
3. How to Request a Refund?
To request a refund online, click here.
For more information, visit the website of Brussels Airlines.
3.1 Demand a Brussels Airlines Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In order to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation, it is crucial to request a refund or compensation from Brussels Airlines rather than settling for a voucher. According to the law, you have the right to refuse vouchers and insist on a full refund through a bank transfer. Please refer to the table above for a comprehensive understanding of all potential scenarios.
If you have already accepted a voucher but believe you are entitled to monetary compensation, you can attempt to exchange it. However, the likelihood of receiving a complete cash refund depends on your specific circumstances. If you were not provided with a choice between a voucher and cash, or if you did not receive a satisfactory explanation, it is advisable to pursue obtaining the monetary compensation.
What is your experience with Brussels Airlines vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Brussels Airlines voucher or you could use it only for Brussels Airlines flights?
Read more:
- Your Brussels Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Is Your Brussels Airlines Flight Compensation Claim Denied? What’s Next?
Featured photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels