This article will discuss Virgin Atlantic vouchers.
What are Virgin Atlantic voucher types? How to exchange a Virgin Atlantic voucher to cash?
Frequently, airlines provide travel vouchers as a compensation for flight disruptions. However, it is essential to remember that a voucher is not the same as compensation. This article will cover the common circumstances in which Virgin Atlantic issues vouchers and will inform on your rights in these situations. Remember, you generally have a choice when it comes to accepting a voucher from the airline.
A voucher is not the same as flight compensation.
1. Virgin Atlantic Vouchers
Vouchers are essentially coupons with a set value that can be used as a method of payment.
Like many airlines, Virgin Atlantic also issues vouchers to its customers. Virgin Atlantic vouchers primarily come in two forms: Virgin Atlantic gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Virgin Atlantic Gift Cards – These are travel gift cards that can be bought directly from the airline’s website. You can put any amount you want on the Virgin Gift Card, and you can easily check your balance online whenever you like. You can use this card at many Virgin Group companies, like Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays. It is possible for you to purchase such a gift card for personal use or get it as a gift from somebody else.
- Virgin Atlantic compensation vouchers – These vouchers can be used in the same manner as gift cards. However, such vouchers are provided by Virgin Atlantic in response to flight issues (i.e., flight delay, cancellation, overbooking).
Gift cards are pretty easy to understand – they are either purchased by you for self-use or received as a gift from someone else.
But what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers received as a refund for a non-used flight? If you want to learn more about such Virgin Atlantic vouchers, read on.
2. Virgin Atlantic Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What circumstances led to you receiving a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
If your flight gets cancelled, you have rights.
When Virgin Atlantic cancels your flight, they are obliged to present you with two alternatives: a refund for cancellation or a replacement flight to your end destination. This alternative flight could be on Virgin Atlantic or another airline, and it should be offered at no additional cost. In certain cases, due to the flight cancellation, you may also be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
It’s worth mentioning that Virgin Atlantic refund and compensation should be transferred to your bank account. The airline may propose a voucher, but it’s up to you whether to accept it or not.
You don’t have to accept Virgin Atlantic vouchers if you don’t want to.
This is the law – you are entitled to monetary compensation/refund.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
When you, as a traveler, choose to cancel Virgin Atlantic flight, the flight ticket refund rules are slightly different. According to Virgin Atlantic’s policy, your eligibility for a refund primarily depends on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you have bought a refundable ticket, you can claim your money back. However, if your ticket is non-refundable, you may not get a full refund. Instead, Virgin Atlantic might issue a voucher for future travel with the airline.
It’s important to thoroughly check the specific terms and conditions associated with your ticket to ascertain your rights in the event of cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two main possible scenarios.
The delay could have been caused either by Virgin Atlantic or it was beyond the airline’s control.
If Virgin Atlantic is at fault for your flight delay, you could be entitled to flight delay compensation. It’s vital to verify your eligibility and insist on receiving what you are legally entitled to. The procedure and amount of flight compensation are dictated by regulations set by the European Union and the UK. Compensation generally varies from 250 to 600 euros, but in rare cases, you may receive only 50% of that amount.
However, Virgin Atlantic might propose a voucher instead of the compensation you deserve. It’s crucial to understand that the acceptance of a voucher is optional. Furthermore, if you decide to accept a voucher, ensure that its value corresponds to the amount dictated by the law.
If Virgin Atlantic is not responsible for your flight delay, then a voucher can’t be cashed, assuming they have even issued you one. Since they are not at fault for the delay, they are not legally obliged to provide any form of compensation.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
When a flight is overbooked, you and other passengers might be involuntarily denied boarding. As a passenger, you are entitled to an alternate flight or a refund to your bank account. Additionally, you may also be entitled to denied boarding compensation if you are bumped from flight due to overbooking.
Similarly to flight delays and cancellations, if compensation is owed to you, you don’t necessarily have to accept a non-refundable Virgin Atlantic voucher. You can request the funds to be transferred to your bank account.
If you voluntarily give up your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you might also be given a voucher. It’s crucial to thoroughly examine the terms of the offer, including whether it’s refundable or non-refundable, its validity, and any restrictions on its use.
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 Situations
Pay attention to the options presented to you.
When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to do some research on your own to ensure that you’re not being unjustly treated. Our website provides extensive resources covering various scenarios where you might be entitled to compensation or a refund. It’s important to be aware that Virgin Atlantic, in many instances, should provide a full refund/compensation rather than a voucher, regardless of their proposition of 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 Virgin Atlantic, 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 Virgin Atlantic, 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 Virgin Atlantic |
The type of compensation you may receive will depend on the specific situation, and could 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.
Read more:
- How to Claim Virgin Atlantic Compensation?
- Your Virgin Atlantic Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Virgin Atlantic Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Virgin Atlantic Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange Virgin Atlantic Voucher for Cash?
When it comes to converting a voucher into cash, there are primarily two scenarios to discuss.
First, if you hold a refundable voucher, you are privileged to convert it into money. To begin the process and learn about the requirements, reach out to the airline.
Second, there may be instances where you are given a voucher in place of compensation or refund, even though regulations mandate the provision of monetary compensation. In such cases, contacting the airline to address the issue is also necessary. Reaching out to them allows you to convey your concerns and express your preference for monetary compensation over a voucher. It’s vital to stand up for your rights and ensure that you receive the reimbursement you are legally entitled to.
4. How to Request a Refund From Virgin Atlantic?
If you wish to obtain a refund for your ticket, you can fill this form on Virgin Atlantic’s website. The refund will be processed using the same payment method that was utilized during the booking of your ticket.
Eligibility for a full refund, partial refund, or no refund at all depends on your ticket type and the specific circumstances of your request.
4.1 Demand a Virgin Atlantic Refund (or Compensation), Not a Voucher
In numerous situations, you should be offered a choice.
Under the law, you reserve the right to reject Virgin Atlantic vouchers as compensation or refund. EU regulations mandate that both refund and UK/EU flight compensation be credited to your bank account, unless you, the passenger, consent to something different. Therefore, Virgin Atlantic must offer this option instead of vouchers.
For a detailed understanding of all possible scenarios, please refer to the table provided above.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If Virgin Atlantic has provided you with a voucher in lieu of monetary refund or compensation, but you believe you were entitled to money, you can still attempt to request a swap. The likelihood of obtaining a full cash refund will depend on your specific case details. If Virgin Atlantic failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or did not initially offer you the choice between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund, it is still worth pursuing the cash refund.
What is your experience with Virgin Atlantic vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Virgin Atlantic voucher or you could use it only for Virgin Atlantic flights?
Featured photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels