Downgrade

Hi guys
So I have just had Virgin on the telephone to say that they have oversold our outbound flight due to a change in aircraft .. They have offered PE outbound with full UC perks still and as comp return UC flights on any Virgin flight ? The return flight is still as per booking so UC.
Anyone had experiance of this ... I'm thinking it seems to good ?

LISA x

Sounds like a very good deal if you can manage in PE outbound, is it a daytime flight?

Yep it's its a lunch time flight .. I thought it seemed pretty good ;)

Err, hold on, doesn't EU compensation kick in for a downgrade, meaning refund + compensation?

Tonty will be along to correct me, but if so then VS should also be castigated for not automatically making you aware of this.

I'm guessing this doesn't count if it's a voluntary downgrade ?

Lisa x

No, you're absolutely entitled to claim under EC261/2004 for a downgrade, whatever VS offers in addition. You are entitled to 75% of the ticket price (though it's a bit unclear as to whether that's the full ticket price for your return trip, or just the affected leg).

Of course you may decide VS has looked after you well and choose not to claim. But you can.

Thanks guys

Decided I am going to do it as it means me and OH can have an extra holiday ... Win win.
I have called them back and they are going to amend and send the return flight voucher via email.
I just hope I am doing the right thing now ... She did say that I get the full UC perks except the seat ... Has anyone done anything like this before ?
She couldn't book our seats in PE but has said we will get seats together as it is highlighted on the booking and we will defo get them ... Hope so !

And next question where would you go ?

We do orlando every year and already have next years trip planned (with kids so need 5 seats and waiting for realise in October - already have enough miles for UC/PE fares if possible) but I think this would be a good oppertunity for just us two again ;)
I'm thinking California OH wants somewhere not USA so mebbies compromise and do Caribbean sandals holiday ?

Lisa

Thanks guys

I just hope I am doing the right thing now ... She did say that I get the full UC perks except the seat ... Has anyone done anything like this before ?

I've seen people use the UC bar when in PE after a flight combination...

And next question where would you go ?

I'd go max UC time and to LA or SFO. Caribbean (including Cuba) is a good bet for the two of you. It's what we did when we volunteered to take a later flight for an overbooked NY flight (albeit in Y)

Remember it will likely be miles you're getting (or equivalent of same) so you'll be fishing in the same Reward seat pool as all miles collectors....

Err, hold on, doesn't EU compensation kick in for a downgrade, meaning refund + compensation?

Tonty will be along to correct me, but if so then VS should also be castigated for not automatically making you aware of this.

*waves*

In general for downgrades EU261 states 75% refund (for flights the length VS flies) but no other statutory compensation.

And yes if they are forcibly downgrading they should be making you aware of your EU261 rights.

An issue to bear in mind is that it is unclear if it 75% of the total ticket price or just one leg.

There was a recent court case on this and the judge ruled that it was 75% of the fare for the sector not the entire ticket and then it did not include the fees and taxes element. BA appear to be applying this ruling though. I think because it was MCOL that it does not form a legal precident so could be challenged.

So not so generous as originally thought


HOWEVER

The above applies for involuntary downgrades and it appears from Jedimum's post that VS offered her a downgrade in return for a free flight in UC (I assume this is 100% free so no extra fees, taxes or VS surcharges to pay) and did not impose it on them. Actually this is what is supposed to happen - the airline makes offers to passengers first before imposing.

If Jedimum had refused the offer then VS had two options - (i) not downgrade her and make the offer to someone else who might take the offer or (ii) downgrade her anyway at the airport and just offer the EU261.

In those circumstances the compensation offered is very generous and actually appears to exceed anything she would get under EU261.

EC261/2004 makes no reference to whether the downgrade is voluntary or involuntary.

Article 10 simply states: "If an operating air carrier places a passenger in a class lower than that for which the ticket was purchased, it shall within seven days, by the means provided for in Article 7(3), reimburse ..."

I believe Jedimum can still claim.

I think in your situation Jedimum, before making a decision I'd have asked for all that was promised in an email. Not to rain on this but on the day if you're not getting the UC experience - which I would take to mean clubhouse access, food from the UC menu and drinks onboard etc - then I'd want something to show to prove what I was promised.

Likewise I'd want to know, in advance confirmed in writing, what the voucher offered for return UC flights actually covered. As Tonty says, are taxes and fees included meaning 100% free? I'd want to confirm it was valid for any VS route with no exclusions and whether there were any blackout dates etc. I wouldn't make a decision until I had those facts in writing. But that's me. If you're happy with what's offered then go and have a great time.

Hi
I did ask if there were any limitations and they said no, I asked if I had to pay taxes they said no and I asked for an email confirmation of this ... Still waiting for the email but they have changed my ticket already
Lisa

Hi
I did ask if there were any limitations and they said no, I asked if I had to pay taxes they said no and I asked for an email confirmation of this ... Still waiting for the email but they have changed my ticket already
Lisa

When we were given the vouchers we didn't pay any taxes but we still fished from the same reward flight pool as everyone else.

Cool ... Don't mind it being a reward flight as we will be flexible with when ever we go and fingers crossed this should help.
Still no email though so may call later today X
Anyone have experience of PE ?
Lisa X

Anyone have experience of PE ?

I think many people here will have experience of it! It's a very broad question though so I'd suggest having a look at the VS pages on premium economy and possibly some trip reports

Hi
I did ask if there were any limitations and they said no, I asked if I had to pay taxes they said no and I asked for an email confirmation of this ... Still waiting for the email but they have changed my ticket already
Lisa

When we were given the vouchers we didn't pay any taxes but we still fished from the same reward flight pool as everyone else.

Not quite 2x free flights then if you can't get the availablity

I'd be pushing for 2x UC, based on same fare code/class (ZIDJ) with taxes included.