Originally Posted by
tobsw
Nope, EC261 guarantees a refund OR re-routeing (See below). However, that doesn´t mean they have to book you on a different carrier or on the same day or on a flight you want to. The regulation is very vague.
Nope is a bit harsh. I am jumping beyond the specific drafting to point out that many airlines take the exact same "vagueness" you suggest to not re-route on a different carrier. Ryanair is notorious for this. (the refund hits your card before you can even call to enquire about rerouting on BA)
Although not IB, I had an award on ET ex-BCN, then they decided to drop the BCN-MAD-ADD route. When I called I was offered the option of refunding... or re-rerouting on a Star Alliance partner with award space open. (nothing available that worked) No revenue buckets.
Yes, I could have booked a revenue ticket then sued ET in small claims court. But I have better things to do...