Airline Rejected Your Claim Because Of A Voucher?
A voucher does not always end an EU261 or UK261 compensation claim. The key question is what the voucher was for and whether you clearly agreed that it replaced statutory cash compensation.
Quick answer
If the airline says a voucher settled your claim, ask for the acceptance wording and the signed or recorded agreement. Under EU261, compensation can be paid by voucher only where the passenger agrees, so the airline should be able to show what you accepted.
Know the statutory amount before you reply to a voucher-based rejection.
First, Identify The Voucher
Airlines use vouchers for different purposes. Do not let a refund voucher, meal voucher, or goodwill credit blur the separate question of fixed delay, cancellation, or denied boarding compensation.
What was the voucher for?
Ask whether the airline treated it as a refund alternative, goodwill credit, care support, or settlement of statutory compensation.
Did you sign or click acceptance wording?
Save the exact terms, acceptance screen, email, expiry date, and any full-and-final settlement wording.
Was the amount equal to compensation?
Compare the voucher value with the fixed EU261 or UK261 amount for the route and final-arrival delay.
Did the airline explain the legal basis?
Ask the airline to identify the rule, document, or signed agreement it relies on to reject the cash claim.
How Strong Is Your Position?
| Situation | Position | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Voucher offered but not accepted | Stronger cash position | Say you decline travel credit and request payment in money. |
| Voucher accepted as refund credit | Still needs wording review | A refund voucher does not automatically decide a separate compensation claim. |
| Voucher accepted as compensation settlement | More difficult | Check whether the value, consent, and settlement wording were clear. |
| Airline issued voucher without consent | Challengeable | Ask for evidence that you agreed to accept a voucher instead of money. |
What To Put In Your Reply
Keep the reply narrow. You are asking the airline to prove that the voucher replaced statutory compensation, not arguing about whether vouchers are useful in general.
- State that you are claiming statutory compensation, not asking for a goodwill voucher.
- Explain whether you accepted the voucher and what the acceptance wording said.
- Ask the airline to provide the signed agreement or acceptance record it says replaced cash compensation.
- If the voucher was for a refund, say that refund rights and fixed compensation are separate issues.
- Give the airline a short deadline to review the claim before escalation.
Related Guides
Reply With The Right Evidence
Check the claim value, then use the voucher wording and flight facts to decide whether to push back.
Start the free claim checkSource note
EU261 Article 7 allows compensation by voucher only with passenger agreement. UK and EU passenger-rights guidance also separates refund, rerouting, care, and fixed compensation rights. Always keep the exact voucher terms before accepting or challenging.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. FlightClaimGuide does not provide legal advice and recommends seeking independent professional advice for complex legal matters.