LOT Flight Downgrade Compensation

Airline flight downgrade compensation in the EU.

Can you qualify for it? How much can you expect to receive? What are the guidelines?

Suppose you purchased a first-class ticket, but at the airport, you discover that you’ll be flying in either business class or economy? What if you purchased a business class ticket and later on find out that you have been moved to economy? Certain rules cover these situations. And, indeed, LOT can provide you with compensation. This applies to all LOT flights to and from Europe.

Compensation should be immediately available.

1. LOT Downgrade Compensation

Air passenger rights in the EU are under strict regulation.

• When your flight is delayed, you can avail of flight delay compensation.
• If it’s cancelled, access flight cancellation compensation.
• In case of denied boarding, get denied boarding compensation.

If you are downgraded, you qualify for flight downgrade compensation. The involuntary downgrade compensation you can claim from your airline ranges from 30 to 75% of the ticket cost, based on the distance of your flight. It doesn’t impact your LOT baggage allowance because the downgrade wasn’t your fault.

This rule applies to all LOT flights to and from Europe.

For non-EU airlines, it only applies to flights leaving from Europe.

All of this is made possible by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

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. How to Claim LOT Flight Downgrade Compensation?

Flight downgrade compensation must be paid on the spot.

So, ideally, you won’t have to do anything.

If that doesn’t happen, be sure to contact LOT and submit a claim. Otherwise, if you don’t act, LOT won’t either. Yes, that’s the reality. Do remember that this compensation should be credited to your bank account. You are not obliged to accept any coupons or vouchers. In case of any complications, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?

The EU regulates the compensation amounts.

Here’s the breakdown for calculating your LOT compensation:

• 30%, if the flight distance is up to 1,500 kilometres,
• 50%, if the flight distance is between 1,500 – 3,500 kilometres,
• 75%, if the flight distance is more than 3,500 kilometres.

These percentages are based on the fare you paid for your flight.

4. What About Free Upgrades?

Let’s suppose that there are no more seats available in economy, and you’re given a spot in business. That’s acceptable, but keep in mind that the airline (LOT, in this case) cannot ask for any additional payment for this upgrade.

It’s simply an involuntary LOT upgrade.

EU and Non-EU Airlines

What happens if you have a flight with Emirates or Singapore Airlines, as opposed to LOT?

In these cases, all these rules are only applicable to flights that originate from Europe.

In the case of European airlines, these guidelines hold true for all commercial flights departing from and arriving in Europe. However, if you fly with a non-European Union airline, like Singapore Airlines or Emirates, these rules are only applicable for their flights departing from Europe, and not vice versa. For the rest of the scenarios, you must rely on the local laws of the country you are departing from and the airline’s downgrade policies.

First Class vs. Business Class

Airline travel can be significantly different when comparing First Class and Business Class, especially considering the service range and cost. Nevertheless, the service quality in both classes greatly surpasses that of Economy class.

First Class

First Class typically symbolizes the pinnacle of convenience an airline can provide.

The amenities generally encompass a full-flat seat, high-quality meals, a broad array of all kind of drinks, and personalized attention. You also get to enjoy exclusive lounge access at the airport and priority boarding. Some airlines even offer private suites to First Class passengers, taking privacy and comfort to a completely new level.

Business Class

Though an upgrade from Economy, Business Class doesn’t quite reach the luxury of First Class.

The seats are comfortable and larger than those found in Economy, but they might not always recline to a fully horizontal position. The meals are of superior quality, and there’s a good selection of beverages. Business Class passengers also get access to airport lounges and are among the first to board the aircraft.

However, the degree of privacy and personalized service may not be on par with First Class.

Frequently Asked Questions

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

What is your experience with LOT downgrades? Have you ever experienced that? Have you ever been downgraded on a LOT flight from Business to Economy?