Downgrade on Award Ticket
Dec 1, 2018, 3:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 139
Downgrade on Award Ticket
I was recently downgraded on a long-haul Club World award ticket (to WTP). I was quickly refunded 75% of the avios points, but none of the taxes. Similar experiences? I filled out a customer service form online, but still waiting a response after 3 weeks. Should I call?
Dec 1, 2018, 4:00 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 139
I was sat in WT+. However, given that the downgrade was involuntary, I was under the impression that 75% of taxes are refunded nonetheless, as per EU rules. I was never asked if I wanted to be in WT+ and wouldn’t have really paid extra over WT for that “benefit”.
Dec 1, 2018, 4:07 pm
#4
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,930
not taxes per se, but there is a difference in carrier surcharge. however as this is an involuntary downgrade perhaps the 75% fare compensation includes 75% of the total taxes/fees/charges?
Dec 1, 2018, 8:24 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA GGLfL, WoH Lifetime Globalist, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 711
Dec 1, 2018, 9:14 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,190
what 'taxes' do you think you you should get back?
UK APD is the same for WTP and CW for example.
This is a case where the proper delineation between taxes, fees and surcharges is important
UK APD is the same for WTP and CW for example.
This is a case where the proper delineation between taxes, fees and surcharges is important
Dec 1, 2018, 9:17 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Silver
Posts: 175
This question probably belongs in the EC261 thread: The 2018 BA compensation thread: Your guide to Regulation EC261/2004. In particular post #5 in that thread deals with downgrades and may cast some light on this.
In short, I would expect that you are entitled to a refund of 75% of the Avios, as well as 75% of the carrier surcharge (but not other taxes and fees). However, I am not sure whether there is binding precedent on this.
In short, I would expect that you are entitled to a refund of 75% of the Avios, as well as 75% of the carrier surcharge (but not other taxes and fees). However, I am not sure whether there is binding precedent on this.
Dec 1, 2018, 9:56 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 139
This question probably belongs in the EC261 thread: The 2018 BA compensation thread: Your guide to Regulation EC261/2004. In particular post #5 in that thread deals with downgrades and may cast some light on this.
In short, I would expect that you are entitled to a refund of 75% of the Avios, as well as 75% of the carrier surcharge (but not other taxes and fees). However, I am not sure whether there is binding precedent on this.
In short, I would expect that you are entitled to a refund of 75% of the Avios, as well as 75% of the carrier surcharge (but not other taxes and fees). However, I am not sure whether there is binding precedent on this.
Dec 1, 2018, 11:24 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DUB/ORD/SIN/PVG
Programs: EI AerClub Concierge, EK Gold, BA Gold, BD Gold (Retired), HHonors Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold
Posts: 2,923
I was recently downgraded on a long-haul Club World award ticket (to WTP). I was quickly refunded 75% of the avios points, but none of the taxes. Similar experiences? I filled out a customer service form online, but still waiting a response after 3 weeks. Should I call?
Dec 2, 2018, 2:43 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Otley
Programs: BA, IB, DC, Amex PP, Motel 6, Waffle House, Cracker Barrel
Posts: 507
I'm sure that when I've redeemed a Lloyds Avios upgrade voucher they've taken WTP avios but I've heard them say ' i have to calculate the upgraded taxes and surcharges' ?
Dec 2, 2018, 5:20 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 139
(ii) At check in, I was offer no alternatives. After I complained in the lounge, I was offered CW with an overnight connection, which I declined as I would miss work. I was also allowed to use the Concorde lounge instead, (iii) On board, no distinction made, even though my boarding pass continues to say CW, despite the seat in WTP.
Dec 22, 2018, 8:31 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 139
Update. Still no refund despite 2 calls in to refund services, after an email from customer relations on Dec 6th stating that she had "escalated" my refund request. 4 days ago, I was promised the 75% surcharges refund by phone with refund services - not received. Today, called back. Said they would provide me with a 75% refund as "a courtesy". I replied that this was their obligation and not a "courtesy". The agent (likely an overseas call centre), had never heard of the EU compensation guidelines. She allowed me to email her the link (https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Res...re-downgraded/). I'll let you know how this all turns out. Very disappointing.