Cash vs. voucher: How to decide what compensation you get for a delayed flight

Delayed or canceled flights can quickly change the atmosphere of a vacation or a business trip. Many of us have felt intense emotions when looking at the flight status display and seeing the words “delayed” or “canceled.” The situation becomes frustrating, but beyond the inconvenience, there are concrete solutions that can turn this misfortune into a recovered experience. If you receive a compensation offer—either cash or a voucher for a future flight—it is worth making an informed choice that suits you. Here’s how to correctly choose between cash compensation or a voucher when an airline delays or cancels a flight.

Your rights on a delayed flight: why you may be offered a voucher as an option?

Flight delays do not just cause frustration. They can mean hours of waiting, financial losses, and sometimes missed connections or reservations at your destination. European legislation sets clear rules to protect passengers, and airlines are obliged to provide compensation in certain situations. Most of the time, you can choose between cash or a voucher, but the decision is yours.

At what point do you qualify for compensation?

• If your flight arrives at the destination more than 3 hours late, you can request compensation.

• Airlines may offer vouchers for future flights. You have the option to refuse and receive the equivalent sum, either deposited directly into your account or in cash.

• Sometimes, vouchers come with an additional bonus, which some passengers find attractive.

What the law says: when you are entitled to compensation and who qualifies

European legislation—Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004—clearly establishes the compensation rights for passengers in the event of delays, cancellations, or denied boarding (including overbooking situations).

Eligibility criteria:

• Delay at the final destination exceeds 3 hours

• Flight departs from the European Union or lands in the EU and is operated by an EU airline

• The airline did not provide at least 14 days’ notice of cancellation

• The event was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (snow clearing, security crises, natural disasters, etc.)

Compensation amounts

These amounts apply to delays, cancellations, or denied boarding, unless the flight falls under legal exceptions. Quickly check here if your flight qualifies.

Exception: You are not entitled to compensation if the delay or cancellation is due to unforeseen events (blizzard, earthquake, unexpected security crisis).

Cash vs. voucher: defining compensation options

Definition

• Cash: The airline transfers the legal sum directly to your bank account. You can use the money for any purpose, without restrictions.

• Voucher: You receive a credit coupon usable only with that airline for future ticket or service purchases (e.g., extra baggage, preferred seating). Some vouchers include extra value as a reward for acceptance.

It is important to know that the law grants you the right to choose cash, and accepting a voucher is not mandatory.

Advantages and disadvantages of each option

When the voucher becomes a good option

A voucher can be an efficient option in certain situations. Here’s when it proves advantageous:

• You plan other trips with the same airline in the next year.

• The offer includes a bonus (higher value than cash, free additional baggage, or boarding priority).

• You are willing to reinvest compensation in travel and are only interested in specific benefits.

Example: If you frequently purchase discounted tickets and know you will use the voucher, you can get more value than the cash legally offered. Conversely, if you do not plan another flight, cash offers more financial freedom.

Additional rights if the flight is significantly delayed

In addition to cash or voucher compensation, the law provides facilities for passengers when delays exceed a certain duration. These benefits include:

• Free meals or drinks proportional to waiting time

• Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel if you stay overnight due to the delay

• Reimbursement of additional expenses (taxi, accommodation, food, missed reservations). Keep all receipts and invoices.

• Free communication with a family member or relevant contact via phone or email

Additional details can be reviewed on this page about delayed flight compensation via Airclaim.

How to correctly claim compensation: explicit steps and required documents

To obtain the compensation you are entitled to, follow these steps:

1. Collect supporting documents: Keep your boarding pass, e-tickets, confirmation emails, and messages about the delay.

2. Clarify the reason for the delay: Check statements provided by the airline (sometimes officials cite “special circumstances”).

3. Submit a formal compensation request: Go to the airline’s website or use a specialized intermediary such as AirClaim.

4. Attach copies of documents: Upload the evidence requested by the airline.

5. Submit and track the claim: The airline usually responds within 30 days. If they refuse or do not respond, report the situation to your country’s Civil Aviation Authority or use a compensation service.

You can submit the claim up to 3 years after the flight date, but acting quickly increases the likelihood of timely resolution.

Special situations: missed connection, canceled flight, or overbooking

1. Missed connection

If you have two flight segments under the same reservation and the delay causes you to miss the connection, you can claim compensation if:

• You arrive at the final destination more than 3 hours late

• Both segments are on the same ticket

2. Flight cancellation

In the case of a full cancellation, you have three options:

• Request a full refund, including unused segments

• Choose a voucher for future flights

• Obtain an alternative route to your destination at no extra cost

For details about each option, check the rules for canceled flights.

3. Overbooking

The airline may sell more tickets than available seats. If boarding is denied, you can request compensation, refund, or rebooking, sometimes with additional facilities. Here's how to proceed in cases of overbooking.

4. Reduced compensation

If you accept an alternative route with a shorter delay (below the threshold for full compensation), the paid amount is reduced by 50%.

How to choose between cash and voucher: criteria and key questions

Evaluate each situation based on your plans and needs. Make informed choices by considering:

• Do you need money immediately for other expenses? Choose cash.

• Do you plan to fly again with the same airline during the voucher’s validity? Then a voucher, especially with a bonus, may be useful.

• Are there restrictions on the voucher’s use or transfer? Check the terms—most vouchers are not transferable or valid for all routes/times.

• Can you negotiate? Some airlines may adjust the offer if you insist on cash.

• Read the rules carefully to avoid missing the voucher’s validity or choosing an unsuitable option.

Document and research each scenario, using online tools for estimation and claims.

Frequently asked questions about compensation: cash or voucher

Can I sell the voucher?
Rarely; for most vouchers, this option does not exist.

If the delay was under 3 hours?
You cannot claim fixed compensation, but you are entitled to additional services—free food or drinks.

If the delay is due to weather or strikes?
For extraordinary circumstances, no compensation is provided; however, basic services (meals, accommodation during waiting) are still available.

If I no longer have my ticket or boarding pass?
Provide other evidence—electronic ticket, airline emails, or even a scanned photo of the boarding pass.

What can I do if the request is denied?
Follow the appeal procedure with authorities or use a specialized service to recover compensation.