You arrive at the airport only to discover that your assigned airplane seat is no longer available.

Regrettably, you’ve been downgraded to a lower class.

While it’s not a frequent occurrence, involuntary downgrades are more common than you might assume. You may have booked a premium economy, business, or first-class ticket, only to find yourself placed in a lower category when it’s time to board.

This situation can be particularly disappointing if you’ve secured a lie-flat seat on a long-haul flight, anticipating fine dining and a comfortable night.

In 2023, Anton Radchenko experienced involuntary downgrades twice—first on a Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Frankfurt and then on a British Airways journey from London to Los Angeles. Fortunately, as the founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, he was well-equipped to handle the situation.

“I’ve witnessed how many travelers are unaware of their rights, which leads to significant issues,” Radchenko explains. “Keep in mind that airlines frequently resist providing compensation, often taking advantage of passengers’ lack of knowledge.”

Below, you’ll find insight into why downgrades happen and tips from Radchenko on how to manage them and claim your rightful compensation.

Causes of Involuntary Downgrades

Several factors can lead to being bumped from your seat, such as a malfunctioning seat, crew rest requirements, overbooking, or changes in aircraft.

According to Radchenko, the primary reason for downgrades is overbooking. Airlines often sell more tickets than available seats to ensure the plane is full in case of no-shows or last-minute cancellations.

If all passengers show up, you might find yourself involuntarily downgraded.

Both of Radchenko’s downgrades were due to overbooking.

If you receive notice of a downgrade several days ahead, it could be due to an equipment change resulting in fewer premium seats. With advance notice, you can reach out to the airline to see if you can be switched to another flight with a similar service level.

Crew needs can also be a factor; ensuring that crew members have adequate rest during lengthy flights is crucial for everyone’s safety. If designated rest areas aren’t available, a crew member might need your upgraded seat during their break.

Record Your Downgrade and Seek a Refund

Regardless of the reason, downgrades can be frustrating. Usually, you’ll find out about the downgrade at the check-in counter or as you board.

Be aware of your rights.

If you experience a downgrade, Radchenko suggests taking initiative—request clarification in writing regarding the downgrade and document everything. This includes a picture of your new seat, your boarding pass, and any communication from the airline. You’ll need this evidence when submitting a compensation claim.

Radchenko successfully obtained refunds for the downgrades on both flights.

During his Delta flight from New York to Frankfurt, he was moved from premium economy to economy class and received a $1,000 refund.

“Delta compensates customers who are involuntarily downgraded based on the original ticket class and the class to which they are downgraded,” the airline stated to CNN Travel. “Fare difference refunds are calculated based on what the customer paid at the time of booking.”

The airline noted that compensation could take the form of SkyMiles, eCredits, or a fare difference refund.

Radchenko mentioned that obtaining the refund required persistence.

Drawing from his expertise as an aviation specialist and consumer rights lawyer, he reminded the airline that according to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, passengers are entitled to a refund for fare differences resulting from involuntary downgrades.

He noted that Delta preferred to issue flight vouchers as compensation, but he persisted until he was granted a cash refund, which he was entitled to under DOT rules.

Unfortunately, securing refunds for involuntary downgrades can be complicated due to the dynamic nature of airline pricing.

Passengers should ensure that the fare difference is calculated based on prices at the time of booking, as airlines might use current prices to minimize compensation.

For instance, if you enjoyed a great deal on a first-class domestic flight which is only slightly more expensive than a last-minute economy seat, your refund might be minimal.

“Be proactive and assertive. Maintain a polite but determined approach when asserting your rights,” Radchenko advises.

CNN attempted to contact two other major airlines for specifics regarding their refund policies but did not receive a prompt response.

Act Promptly

Delta provides an online form for passengers who have been involuntarily downgraded to request refunds.

Radchenko suggests filling out this form promptly.

“The 72-hour period before or after a flight is critical because airlines make pivotal operational decisions regarding cancellations, refunds, schedule changes, and rebookings, taking into account weather, crew availability, technical problems, and other factors,” he explains. “Passengers who comprehend this process can optimize compensation, find better alternatives, secure timely refunds, and prevent being stranded.”

It’s also wise to request additional compensation or perks. Airlines sometimes offer loyalty miles or vouchers if the circumstances warrant it.

“For instance, if you booked a premium class seat due to health issues that necessitate a comfortable seating position and you’re downgraded to economy, this negatively impacts your well-being. Thus, it’s valid to demand compensation for this inconvenience,” he noted.

Regardless of your specific situation, providing a thorough explanation of how the downgrade has adversely affected you increases the likelihood of your claim being prioritized.

Stronger Protections in Europe

Travelers flying to Europe on an EU airline or within the EU, or departing from the EU with any airline, enjoy greater protections thanks to EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which safeguards passengers against cancellations, delays, and overbookings.

The UK has also incorporated this regulation into law as UK261 during the conclusion of the Brexit transition, applying it to flights in the UK. This legislation streamlined the refund process for Radchenko when he was downgraded on his British Airways flight from London to Los Angeles.

Under this regulation, compensation for involuntary downgrades ranges from 30% to 75% of your ticket cost, depending on the flight distance.

As his flight from London to Los Angeles exceeded 3,500 kilometers, Radchenko received a refund of 75% of his ticket price—about £7,500 from a £10,000 ticket. He simply contacted British Airways customer service and provided his flight details to secure the refund.

However, this regulation did not apply to his Delta flight from New York to Frankfurt, as it only covers departures from EU airports or EU airlines.

Tips to Avoid Downgrades

While you can’t entirely prevent a downgrade, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk.

Radchenko recommends booking your flight well in advance and checking in as early as possible. This not only improves your chances of securing your seat but also increases your priority if any overbooking occurs.

Additionally, establish loyalty with a single airline. If a business-class section is overbooked, someone with elite status is far less likely to face a downgrade compared to infrequent travelers.

The DOT continuously revises the rules and regulations concerning air passenger rights.

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these rules to understand your entitlements in the event of an unexpected situation—be it a rare downgrade or a more frequent lengthy delay or flight cancellation.

Being informed, prepared, and ready to take action can significantly ease a distressing situation.

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