We’ll be discussing Blue Air vouchers in this article.
What types of vouchers does Blue Air offer? Can vouchers be exchanged for cash?
Airline vouchers are often provided as compensation for flight disruptions, but it’s important to note that they are not the same as compensation itself. This article will discuss the typical situations in which Blue Air issues vouchers and your rights in these cases. Keep in mind that accepting a voucher is usually optional.
A voucher is not synonymous with flight compensation.
1. Blue Air Vouchers
Vouchers are essentially coupons that hold a certain value which can be used as payment.
Airlines frequently provide vouchers to their passengers, including Blue Air. There are primarily two kinds of vouchers provided by Blue Air: Blue Air gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Blue Air Gift Cards – standard travel gift cards that can be procured from the airline’s website. These can be applied towards flights that you book through Blue Air. You have the option to purchase such a gift card for your use.
- Blue Air Compensation Vouchers – Blue Air vouchers that function similarly to gift cards. The key difference is that these vouchers are provided by Blue Air under circumstances where there are flight issues (i.e., flight delay, cancellation, overbooking).
Obtaining a gift card is rather simple – you either purchase one for yourself or receive one as a gift from someone.
What about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers that you receive as reimbursement for a cancelled flight? To learn more, read on.
2. Blue Air Voucher as Refund/Compensation
Why did you receive Blue Air vouchers?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In the event of a flight cancellation, you should be given a choice.
If Blue Air cancels your flight, they are obligated to present you with two choices: a cancellation refund or an alternate flight to your ultimate destination. The alternative flight could be on Blue Air or another airline and must be provided at no extra cost. In some cases, flight cancellation compensation might also be applicable.
Remember that Blue Air’s refund and compensation should be deposited into your bank account. The airline may propose a voucher, but you are not obligated to accept it.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
When you, the passenger, decide to cancel your flight, the rules vary slightly.
According to Blue Air’s policy, whether you qualify for a refund or not is majorly dependent on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you have chosen a refundable ticket, you can get a refund. However, if your ticket is non-refundable, you may not receive a full refund. In such cases, Blue Air may provide you with a voucher for future travel with them.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to thoroughly read the specific terms and conditions associated with your ticket to understand your rights in the scenario of a cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two primary possibilities.
Either Blue Air was at fault, or delay was due to extraordinary circumstances.
If Blue Air is accountable for your flight delay, you could be eligible for flight delay compensation. Make sure to check if you’re eligible and don’t settle for less than what you rightfully deserve. The European Union sets the rules for flight delay compensation, which typically range from 250 to 600 euros. However, in some cases, you may receive only half of that amount.
Blue Air may offer a voucher instead of the compensation you’re entitled to. Remember, it’s your decision whether or not to take the voucher. If you decide to accept it, make sure its value meets the legal requirement.
If Blue Air is not responsible for the flight delay, then a voucher cannot be converted into cash, assuming they have provided you with one. Since they are not at fault for the delay, they are not obliged by law to give any form of compensation.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
If the flight is overbooked, you and other passengers might be involuntarily denied boarding.
As a passenger, you have the right to an alternate flight or a refund to your bank account. Additionally, you could be eligible for compensation due to denied boarding as a result of overbooking.
Just like with flight delays and cancellations, if the compensation is owed to you, you don’t have to accept non-refundable Blue Air vouchers. You can request the amount to be transferred to your bank account.
If you willingly surrender your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you might be given a voucher, too. It is crucial to meticulously check the terms of the offer, including whether it is refundable or non-refundable, its validity period, and any usage restrictions.
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.
2.5 Other Scenarios
In every situation, it’s important to scrutinise what you’re being proposed.
If you’re unsure, it’s recommended to do your own research and make sure you’re getting the fair treatment you deserve. Our website dives into a multitude of scenarios where you might qualify for either compensation or a refund. It’s essential to remember that Blue Air is often required to issue a full refund or compensation instead of a voucher, even if they propose the latter as the only alternative.
Here’s a summary of what you can get in every situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
| Flight delayed for 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of Blue Air, 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 Blue Air, 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 |
| You have cancelled a flight | No | Depending on the ticket |
| 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 Blue Air |
The compensation you receive will depend on the specific situation. It may 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.
You don’t have to accept Blue Air vouchers.
Read more:
- How to Claim Blue Air Compensation?
- Your Blue Air Compensation Claim Is Denied. What Next?
- Your Blue Air Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Blue Air Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Convert Blue Air Vouchers into Cash?
When it comes to turning your Blue Air vouchers into cash, there are 2 key scenarios to keep in mind.
First and foremost, if you hold a refundable voucher, you’re allowed to turn it into cash. All it takes is a call to the airline to ask about the procedure and prerequisites for converting the voucher into cash.
Another scenario is when you’ve been handed a voucher as an alternative to compensation or refund, contrary to regulations that stipulate you should receive cash compensation. Again, the best way forward is to get in touch with the airline to rectify this. By doing this, you can express your concerns and demand the appropriate cash compensation instead of accepting a voucher. It’s important to assert your legal rights and ensure that you are properly reimbursed by the law.
4. How to Request a Refund From Blue Air?
To ask for a refund for your Blue Air flight, head to the “My Bookings” section.
The refunded amount is generally transferred via the same payment method you employed to book your ticket.
Depending on your ticket category and the circumstances leading to your request, you may be eligible for a full refund, partial refund, or no refund at all.
4.1 Insist on a Blue Air Refund (or Compensation), Not a Voucher
In many situations, you should be given an option.
According to the law, you can reject Blue Air vouchers as your compensation or refund. It’s because EU regulations mandate that both a refund and UK/EU flight compensation should be delivered to your bank account, unless you, as a passenger, consent to an alternative. So, Blue Air must provide that instead of vouchers.
For a detailed overview of all possible scenarios, please refer to the table provided above.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Blue Air has provided you with a voucher instead of a cash refund or compensation, and you believe you were entitled to money, you can try requesting a switch. However, whether you can obtain a full cash refund or compensation depends on the specifics of your case. If Blue Air did not give a clear explanation or did not offer you the choice between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund initially, it is still worth trying to get the cash.
What is your experience with Blue Air vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Blue Air voucher or you could use it only for Blue Air flights?