Downgraded to a lower class: what you're owed
If the airline moves you to a lower class than you paid for, it must refund part of the ticket price, whatever the reason.
How much
| Flight distance | Refund of that flight's price |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 30% |
| 1,500 to 3,500 km, and flights within the EU (or within the UK) over 1,500 km | 50% |
| Over 3,500 km | 75% |
It's a percentage of the price of the downgraded flight, not of a whole return or multi-flight booking (CJEU Mennens, C-255/15). Taxes and charges that don't depend on the class aren't included.
How to claim
Write to the airline with your booking, boarding pass showing the lower class and the price you paid. The airline must pay within 7 days. If it was also late, you may be owed delay compensation too.
Questions
Is downgrading covered if the airline says it was overbooked?
Yes. The refund for downgrading applies whatever the reason, including overbooking.
I was upgraded instead. Can I be charged?
No. If the airline moves you to a higher class, it can't ask you to pay extra.
More guides
- How much compensation can I get for a delayed or cancelled flight?
- What are "extraordinary circumstances"?
- Cancelled flight: what you're owed
- Bumped from an overbooked flight: your rights
- How far back can I claim?
- Airline rejected your claim? What to do next
- Missed your connecting flight? What you're owed
- Delayed or cancelled by a strike: can I claim?
- Meals, hotels and refunds during a delay
Important: DelayOwed is a self-help guidance tool, not a law firm or claims company, and is not affiliated with any airline. Airline names are used only to describe which flights this guide covers.