What to Do If You’re Downgraded on a Flight—and How to Make Sure You’re Compensated

You’re thinking about Champagne and extra legroom one minute, and then you find yourself back in coach with a middle seat, wondering what happened. Downgrading your flight can be a real bummer. Tiffany Funk says that downgrading is not only frustrating, but also rare. Point.me. Still, in the rare case a downgrade does happen, there’s usually a good reason—and knowing your rights can make all the difference in how you handle it.

Here’s what experts have to say about the process of being downgraded.

Know Your Rights

While you don’t necessarily need to accept a downgrade, declining one can mean waiting days for another premium seat to become available—and Funk can attest to this firsthand. She says that she has had to cancel flights when the next business-class seat available was three days away.

If you accept the downgrade, compensation will follow. There are no federal guidelines in the United States that specify how much airlines should reimburse or when. Most airlines will still refund the difference in fare. As a gesture of goodwill, many carriers will also offer travel credits, bonus miles and/or upgrade vouchers. Although airlines are usually proactive in offering compensation, it doesn’t hurt to let them know. Quinn English, of Frequinnt Flyer.

English explains that the amount you owe ultimately “boils back to the airline contract of carriage” (basically the fine print in your ticket). It is important to note that, no matter where you travel or which airline you use, you’re always covered. entitled to the fare difference “between the cabin that you booked and the one you fly” English is quick to point out that passengers downgraded are not entitled to a refund. “The airline must only get you to your destination.” They’ve met their obligation if they do this.”

Europe is taking a stronger stance in regards to passenger rights. English is the language of underpayment. EU Regulation 261If you are downgraded by accident on a flight departing or arriving from the EU, (or if the flight is operated by a carrier based in the EU), you can get refunded between 30 and 75 percent of your ticket price depending on how far the flight was.

What to do if it Happens

You should act immediately if your flight has been downgraded. If passengers are notified prior to departure, they should immediately contact the airline and ask for alternative flights that have premium seats available. Before boarding, speak to a crew member or agent at the airport. It’s easier to discuss compensation or rebookings with someone in person rather than by phone or email.

If you are unable to resolve your issue personally, please contact the airline immediately. Don’t forget to include any documentation that supports your claim, such as the flight details, your seat number, or confirmation number. It’s important to provide as much information as possible. Even seemingly insignificant details can prove useful, particularly if you are having difficulty obtaining a reimbursement.  

How to avoid being downgraded

There are some factors you can use to your advantage. While it is almost impossible to prevent downgrades, you have a few options. Elite status, booking higher fares, and checking in early All of these tips can help you keep that premium seat. English, however, tells T+L, “I wouldn’t pay extra for a higher class of fare, or try to achieve elite status, just to lower my risk of being involuntarily downgraded because the chances of this happening are so small.”

A travel companion is also helpful. In English, it is more common for solo travelers to be treated as inferiors, and vice versa. bumped. “That’s because it is less likely that more than one person will be downgraded than if only one is.”

Still, factors like aircraft swaps or seat malfunctions are beyond your—or anyone’s—control, so the best strategy is to know your rights and remain calm. English says that if something goes wrong, it’s important to take action.