Trying to get comp following flight downgrade

duncans_mum

Hi there,
I had recently posted an enquiry..
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=19776053#post19776053

Since arriving back in UK my parents have tried to get some sort of compensation (not only were they 'downgraded' but they didnt get use of lounges and other associated business class bonuses, had delays and all sorts) and they are being offered air miles instead of cash.

(I did put that it was Air China but in fact it was with China Eastern.)

My Mum asked for 200 pounds in compensation, but they have stated that as they used part air miles to get the flights and some to upgrade, thats all they can offer (they actually said if you paid for something in Woolies with points thats all you would get back in compensation!!)
The only problem is that my parents always travel in January and the company do not have any flights during that time, they only have them from in July (which is no use whatsoever), to this they said, well they are transferable, give them to a relative to come out then, this is not likely seeing as it will be winter here then! :mad:
My parents are elderly and now Mum is saying 'just forget about it its not worth the trouble.' I think it is, any help MSE'ers???

Itsgottabedone

There are two issues here.

1) Refund due in respect of difference in cost between business and economy class fares. This refund must, by law, be made to the oringal payer and form of payment (so if your parents paid for the upgrade by credit card the difference should be paid to that credit card and if they paid by using air miles they should be refunded in air miles).

2) Compensation for disappointment, etc is entirely up to the airline's discretion. Frequent flyer miles is usual method of compensation. They're unlikely to get compensated for any delays - this is a fact of life - but their travel insurance policy might cover the delays if they were significant.

The fact that your parents don't want to travel at a time when the air miles can be used is irrelevant really; I think your mother is right - time to call it a day.