This article will discuss Transavia vouchers.
What are Transavia voucher types? How to exchange a Transavia voucher to cash?
Although airline vouchers are often offered as a form of compensation, it’s important to know your entitlements before accepting them since they are not a substitute for proper compensation. EU law states that flight compensations and refunds must be paid by bank transfer. You don’t have to accept any vouchers from the airline.
1. Transavia Vouchers
Vouchers are predetermined-value coupons that can be used as a form of payment.
The specific usage and redemption options for airline vouchers may vary depending on the airline. Airlines commonly issue vouchers to their customers, and Transavia is no exception, providing two primary types of vouchers: Transavia gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Transavia gift cards: These are regular travel gift cards available for purchase on Transavia’s website. They can be utilized to pay for flights booked directly through Transavia. You have the option to purchase these gift cards for yourself or receive them as a thoughtful present from someone else.
- Transavia vouchers for compensation: Similar to gift cards, these vouchers serve the same purpose but are specifically given by Transavia when there are flight-related issues, such as flight delays, cancellations, or overbookings. They act as compensation for the inconveniences faced by passengers.
When it’s a gift card, everything is simple – either someone gifts it to you, or you purchase it for your personal use. However, compensation vouchers can be unclear, particularly if you haven’t received one before. Are airline vouchers equal to compensation?
For more information on this matter, continue reading.
1.1 Why Transavia Provides Vouchers Instead of Monetary Compensation/Refund?
It is a common practice for airlines to provide vouchers to passengers affected by flight disruptions, rather than immediate monetary compensation, even when they are legally obligated to do so.
This approach is justified by several reasons:
- Cost management: Vouchers can be a more cost-effective option for airlines compared to upfront monetary compensation. By offering travel vouchers, airlines can better manage their immediate financial outlay and potentially spread the costs over a longer period.
- Customer retention: Vouchers play a crucial role in retaining customer loyalty. By providing vouchers, airlines aim to encourage passengers to continue choosing their services, even after experiencing flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking.
- Operational efficiency: Vouchers are often easier and quicker to process administratively compared to cash compensation or bank transfers. This simplifies the resolution process for the airline, saving valuable time and resources.
2. Transavia Voucher (Refund/Compensation)
What happened that you were given a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, you must be given a choice.
The two choices are: a full refund or an alternative flight to your intended destination.
The substitute flight can either be with Transavia or another airline, and it should be provided at no extra cost to you. Moreover, depending on specific circumstances, you may also be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
It’s important to note that both Transavia refund and compensation should be transferred to your bank account. While the airline may offer you a voucher, it is entirely optional, and you are not obliged to accept it.
2.2 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two most likely scenarios.
If your flight delay is attributed to Transavia’s fault, you may be eligible for flight delay compensation. It is crucial to ascertain your eligibility and demand the rightful compensation amount.
The process and compensation value are governed by the regulations set forth by the European Union. Compensation typically ranges from 250 to 600 euros. However, in some cases, Transavia may offer a voucher as an alternative to cash compensation. It’s essential to know that accepting a voucher is often optional. If you do choose a voucher, ensure that its value complies with the legal requirements.
If Transavia is not responsible for the flight delay (i.e., it was bad weather or other extraordinary circumstances), they may not offer a voucher, or if they do, it cannot be exchanged for cash. Since the delay is beyond the airline’s control, they are not legally obliged to provide any form of compensation.
2.3 You Were Denied Boarding
In cases where a flight is overbooked, you and fellow passengers may face involuntary denied boarding. As a passenger, you hold the right to either receive an alternative flight or obtain a refund to your bank account. Furthermore, you might be eligible for compensation when involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking.
Similar to situations involving flight delays and cancellations, if you are entitled to compensation, you are not obligated to accept a non-refundable voucher. You have the option to request the funds to be directly transferred to your bank account.
On the other hand, if you voluntarily agree to give up your seat, the airline may present you with different options, such as cash, Transavia vouchers, or gift cards. It is essential to carefully review the terms of the offer, including whether it is refundable or non-refundable, its duration of validity, and any restrictions on its use.
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
As always, it’s crucial to carefully assess the options presented to you.
If you have any uncertainties or concerns, conducting your own research is advisable to ensure fair treatment. Our website addresses various situations where you may be entitled to compensation or a refund. It’s worth noting that in numerous cases, Transavia is legally required to offer a full refund instead of a voucher, even if they propose the latter as an alternative.
Below is a summary of what you can expect in each situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Flight delayed for 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of Transavia, you are entitled to flight delay compensation | No |
| Flight delayed less than 3 hours | No | No |
| Flight cancellation less than 2 weeks before the flight | If it’s due to the fault of Transavia, you are entitled to flight cancellation compensation | Choice between a refund and new flight (You can choose either) |
| Flight cancellation more than 2 weeks before the flight | No | Choice between a refund and new flight |
| Boarding denial (due to overbooking) | You can get denied boarding compensation | Choice between a refund and new flight |
| You have given up your seat (voluntary denied boarding) | No | As per agreement with Transavia |
The type of compensation you may receive will depend on the specific situation, and could include a refund, compensation, or both. It’s important to note that any payment you are entitled to must be made in cash or transferred directly to your bank account, depending on the circumstances.
3. How to Request a Refund?
If your flight has been cancelled, you will receive an email from Transavia.
The email will outline two options: either rebook for another Transavia flight on a different date, or request a refund. Follow the instructions provided in the email to request a refund from the airline.
3.1 Opt for Transavia Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
According to the law, you can decline Transavia vouchers as compensation.
EU regulations mandate a full refund to be issued directly to your bank account, and therefore, Transavia is obligated to provide the refund instead of vouchers.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Transavia has already provided you with a voucher instead of a cash refund, but you believe that you were entitled to cash refund/compensation, you can attempt to request an exchange. However, the success of obtaining a full cash refund will depend on the specifics of your case. If Transavia did not offer a satisfactory explanation or did not provide you with the option to choose between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund initially, it is still worthwhile to try and obtain the monetary refund.
What is your experience with Transavia vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Transavia voucher or you could use it only for Transavia flights?
Read more:
- Your Transavia Compensation Claim Is Rejected. What’s Next?
- Your Transavia Refund Is Taking Forever? Here’s Your Plan of Action
Featured photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels