With so many different currencies around the world, you can only wonder what airlines actually owe you in compensation. Is it euros, dollars, pounds, or even vouchers? The short answer is that it depends! The EU261 Regulation is not the only regulation that protects passenger rights across the world. There are Canadian and Brazilian regulations, and so on. So the compensation amount and its currency depend on which regulation you are filing a claim under.
Euros or Dollars?
Let’s take the EU 261 Regulation and Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulation for example. The Canadian Regulation is enforced by Canadian Transportation Agency, so naturally it will go by Canadian laws, currency included. Compensation ranges from 125 CAD to 2400 CAD (varies by airline size and cause). So in this instance, the airlines owe the compensation in Canadian dollars. For international payments, the compensation amount will be converted to the local currency of the person receiving compensation. So even if the equivalents to other currencies are stated beforehand, the actual amount may differ as exchange rates are always changing. And don’t forget about any possible pesky bank fees!
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It Is All In The Regulation
The same logic is applied to the EU261 Regulation. It is overseen and enforced by a network of national enforcement bodies in each EU country. The euro is the currency of many European Union countries; therefore, the compensation amount is indicated in euros, and the airlines owe the compensation in euros. If a non-European airline were to initiate a compensation of let’s say 600 EUR, they might initiate the payment in their local currency, but their initiated amount in the local currency will be equivalent to 600 EUR after conversion. Keep in mind that if you are promised compensation of, let’s say, 400, it does not mean that you will receive 400 GBP or any other currency for that matter. You will always get the equivalent of the promised sum after exchange.
Some countries have their local regulations, and most likely, the compensation amounts will be indicated in the local currency, so make sure to check what currency is indicated and don’t assume immediately that it is your local currency.
Vouchers
It can get a bit tricky with vouchers, as airlines can and sometimes will offer you a voucher as a form of compensation. Vouchers are cheaper for airlines because they’re redeemed later or partially, and it helps to keep your money in the airline’s ecosystem.
Sometimes airlines will offer a higher amount of travel vouchers than the initial compensation, which sounds more appealing at first glance, as the amount is higher than the initial compensation. If your compensation is 250 EUR, airlines can offer you a travel voucher of 300 EUR. Keep in mind you will be bound by the conditions of the voucher if you end up accepting it, and you will only be able to use the voucher for what it’s for. Travel fatigue and stressful disruptions can also affect how passengers understand their rights and make legal decisions, as discussed in “Jet-Lagged & Denied: How Flight Timings May Affect Your Legal Awareness”. Most importantly, remember that it is not mandatory for you to accept a voucher; if you do not want a voucher, it is still within your rights to request cash compensation. Airlines cannot force you to select a voucher instead of cash compensation, but they can offer one.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
If Only That Is Okay With You
If a voucher is suitable as a form of compensation to you, then you can accept it. However, if you do accept a voucher, you generally waive your right to the cash compensation, which is why many legal sites are stating to not accept any vouchers. So keep that in mind before accepting a voucher.
If you still decide to accept a voucher, do not forget to check with the airline for relevant information. Always ask what the expiry dates and use limitations are for the offered vouchers, if they’re transferable or not, and whatever concerns you may have about the voucher. Accept only after you’re sure that the conditions are suitable for you.
If the process of handling all the intricacies of disrupted flight compensation directly with the airline seems time-consuming and tiresome, you can always file a compensation claim at www.skycop.com, and we will handle all the work for you!
