Trusted Choice
- Airlines will always try to sit children with their parents (subject to check-in)
- Some airlines will allow travel for unaccompanied minors. Please email us to check.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
- Most airlines will let infants travel with their parent(s) for free. However some airlines will charge up to 10% of the adult ticket price. Click on 'Price Breakdown' to find out more.
- If you are pregnant, but due before the flight departure date, please contact us once your baby is born and has a name. We can then add him/her to your ticket.
- Infants will not be given a seat. The airlines expect parents to travel with them on their lap.
- Airlines regard infants as being under 24 months old.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
Involuntary Downgrades
- 65,000 happy customers
- Rated 4.5 Stars. Based on 3,581 service ratings over the past year
- Dedicated customer service team on hand to help
- Secure payments
- 65,000 happy customers
- Rated 4.5 Stars. Based on 3,581 service ratings over the past year
- Dedicated customer service team on hand to help
- Secure payments
Involuntary Downgrades
Read our guide for those wanting to know their rights on being downgraded on their flight. This guide is complete with FAQ’s, tips to help you know your rights and regulations in both the US and EU.
What is an Involuntary Downgrade?
An Involuntary Downgrade is when a passenger's ticket has been downgraded this can be for example when a passenger who is flying on the premium economy, business class or first class has been downgraded and told to sit in economy class. This can happen when the class is full and passengers who've reserved their seat using passengers miles 'award ticket' can be asked to allow passengers who've purchased the ticket with money to take their place. However, a refund of passenger miles can be given by the airlines.
According to Civil Aviation Authority, if your airline downgrades you to a lower class from the one you were meant to be in, you are entitled to reimbursement of a percentage of the price for the flight on which you were downgraded. Remember that your airline must compensate you within seven days.
The table below shows how this is calculated:
| Length of journey | Reimbursement |
|---|---|
| Up to 1500km (short-haul) | 30% of the flight price |
| 1500-3500km (medium-haul) | 50% of the flight price |
| More than 3500km (long-haul) | 75% of the flight price |
Tips in the event of an Involuntary Downgrade
1. Try not to get angry at airport staff, if you don't find someone who is helping you ask someone who else.
2. Note down all of the information about your flight experience and request a written statement from the airline.
3. If after seven days have passed and you still haven't received a refund, you can write a written complaint to the airline.
4. Make sure that once the airline has compensated you they also receive related tax.
5. Remember to keep patient and calm and try to enjoy your journey.
US regulations on Involuntary Downgrade
In the US, there aren't specific laws about what should happen if a passenger has been downgraded. Airlines handle these problems individually and they do try to accommodate passengers as best they can, and usually will extend an offer to make amends.
EU regulations on Involuntary Downgrade
In Europe, rules regarding this are strict rules. If you happen to be flying on a European Union carrier and have been downgraded, depending on the length of the trip you are entitled to a refund of 30% to 75% of the original price of the ticket. You have nothing to worry about as airlines will compensate you in seven days.
Remember if you're travelling to and from Europe, it's important to ensure that you not only receive the amount of the ticket but also the related taxes.
Involuntary Downgrade
FAQs
How do I make a complaint against an airline?
You can make a complaint with the airline directly, but also ensure to make a complaint with the Department of Transportation as well.
What are my air travel rights?
Every passenger has air passenger rights and it's important to know you have this. For more information on this please click here.
