Are you entitled to TAROM flight downgrade compensation?
How much is the compensation? What are the rules and regulations?
Imagine having purchased a first-class ticket, only to discover at the airport that you’ll be flying in business class or economy. What if you purchased a business class ticket, and later you are asked to fly in economy instead? There are very clear rules concerning this. And yes, you can claim compensation from TAROM. This applies to all TAROM flights to and from Europe.
Compensation should be provided immediately.
1. TAROM Downgrade Compensation
Can you get TAROM flight downgrade compensation?
In the EU, air passenger rights are heavily regulated.
- If your flight is delayed, you can claim flight delay compensation.
- If it’s cancelled – flight cancellation compensation.
- If you are denied boarding – denied boarding compensation.
If you are downgraded, you can claim flight downgrade compensation. The amounts of involuntary downgrade compensation you can obtain from your airline range between 30 to 75% of the ticket price, based on the distance of your flight. Flight downgrade doesn’t impact your TAROM baggage allowance. It isn’t your fault, after all.
With TAROM, it applies to all their flights from and to Europe.
With non-EU airlines, it only applies to flights departing 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 TAROM Flight Downgrade Compensation?
TAROM flight downgrade compensation should be paid on the spot.
Thus, under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t need to take any action.
If that hasn’t occurred, ensure to contact TAROM and file a claim. Otherwise you won’t get any compensation from the airline. It’s important to remember that this compensation should be credited to your bank account. You are not required to accept any coupons or vouchers. In the event of any issues, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?
The compensation amounts are governed by the EU.
Here is the method to calculate your TAROM compensation:
- 30%, if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres,
- 50%, if the distance of your flight is between 1500 – 3500 kilometres,
- 75%, if the distance of your flight is more than 3500 kilometres.
These percentages are calculated based on the price you paid for your flight.
4. What About Free Upgrades?
Suppose that there are no available seats in economy, and you’re offered a seat in business class. That’s perfectly fine, but bear in mind that the airline cannot charge any additional fee for this upgrade.
It’s merely an involuntary TAROM upgrade.
EU and Non-EU Airlines
But what if your flight is with Emirates or Qatar Airways, not TAROM?
If you are travelling with a non-EU airline, such as Emirates or Qatar Airways, these regulations are only applicable to their flights departing from Europe, but not vice versa. In other scenarios, you must depend on the local laws of the country you are departing from and the policies of the airline in question regarding flight downgrades.
For EU airlines, these guidelines cover all commercial flights to and from Europe.
First Class vs. Business Class
The difference between First Class and Business Class in air travel is clear in both the cost and the range of services on offer. Regardless, the level of service in both classes is considerably higher than what you would experience in Economy class.
First Class
First Class typically represents the highest comfort that an airline can provide.
This experience usually includes a seat that reclines to a flat position, gourmet meals, a wide range of beverages, and individualised service.
Additional perks often include access to exclusive lounges at the airport, as well as priority boarding. Some airlines go the extra mile by offering private suites for first-class passengers, accentuating privacy and opulence.
Business Class
Although Business Class is still a step up from Economy, it doesn’t quite reach the luxury level of First Class. The seats are spacious and comfortable, more so than those in Economy, but they may not always fully recline into a bed. The meals are of high quality, and a decent selection of drinks is available.
Business Class travellers also have the privilege of accessing airport lounges and are among the first to board. However, the degree of privacy and personal service may not match that of First Class.
What is your experience with TAROM downgrades? Have you ever been downgraded on a TAROM flight from Business to Economy? Did you receive TAROM flight downgrade compensation?