This guide will look at TAROM vouchers.
What are the types of these vouchers? How to convert a TAROM voucher into cash?
Airline vouchers are a common form of compensation for flight disruptions, but they should not be confused with flight compensation. This article covers common situations where TAROM vouchers are issued and outlines your rights in such instances. It’s worth noting that opting for a voucher is usually optional.
A voucher is not identical to flight compensation.
1. TAROM Vouchers
Vouchers are coupons that have a fixed value and can be used as a form of payment.
Airlines frequently present vouchers to their passengers, and TAROM is no exception. TAROM offers two primary types of vouchers: TAROM gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- TAROM Gift Cards – regular travel gift cards purchased from the airline’s website. These can be used to cover the costs of flights that you are booking with TAROM. It is possible to buy such a gift card for personal use.
- TAROM compensation vouchers – TAROM vouchers with the same utility as gift cards. The distinguishing aspect is that such vouchers are provided by TAROM in the event of flight issues (such as a delayed flight, cancelled flight, or overbooking).
Getting a gift card is quite simple – it’s either a gift from someone else, or you have bought it for your personal use.
But what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers issued as a refund for a flight cancelled by the airline? If you desire to learn more, continue reading.
2. TAROM Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What happened that resulted in you receiving a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
Should your flight be cancelled, there are two alternatives that you should be provided.
In cases where TAROM cancels your flight, they are obligated to present you with two choices: a refund for the cancelled flight or an alternative flight to your destination. The replacement flight can either be with TAROM or another airline and should be arranged at no extra cost. In some circumstances, you might also be eligible for compensation due to the flight cancellation.
Remember that TAROM refund and compensation should be transferred to your bank account. The airline might propose a voucher, but it’s not compulsory to accept it.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
If you choose to cancel your flight, the regulations are slightly different.
The policy of TAROM indicates that your eligibility for a refund primarily relies on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you’ve bought a refundable ticket, then you can reclaim your money. On the other hand, if you have a non-refundable ticket, you might not be eligible for a full refund. Instead, TAROM may issue a voucher for future travel on their flights.
However, it’s important to check the specific terms and conditions tied to your ticket to verify your rights in the event of cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two main possibilities.
Either the delay was due to the fault of TAROM, or it wasn’t the airline’s fault.
If TAROM is at fault for your flight delay, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation. It’s vital to check your eligibility and not to settle for less than what you deserve. The procedure and amount of flight compensation are dictated by rules set by the European Union. Compensation amounts usually range between 250 to 600 euros, in rare cases you may only get 50% of that.
However, TAROM might propose a voucher in place of the compensation that you deserve. First and foremost, it’s worth noting that accepting a voucher is not mandatory. Secondly, if you decide to accept a voucher, ensure that its worth aligns with what the legislation stipulates.
If TAROM is not responsible for your flight delay, then a voucher cannot be converted into cash, assuming you were even given one. As they are not to blame for the delay, they are not legally obligated to provide any form of compensation.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
When the flight is overbooked, you and other passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding. As a passenger, you are entitled to an alternative flight or a refund to your bank account. In addition, you may also be eligible for denied boarding compensation because of overbooking.
Just like with flight delays and cancellations, if you are due compensation you don’t have to accept a non-refundable voucher. You can demand the amount to be transferred to your bank account.
If you willingly give up your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you might be offered a TAROM voucher as well. It’s essential to review the details of the proposal, including whether it’s refundable or non-refundable, its expiration date, and any limitations 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 Circumstances
Always check what’s being offered to you.
Should you feel uncertain, it’s recommended that you take the initiative to independently investigate whether you’re getting a fair deal. Our webpage provides a wealth of information on different scenarios where you may be due compensation or refund.
In numerous situations, TAROM provides vouchers to passengers. However, it’s critical to acknowledge that these vouchers are not the same as flight compensation.
Remember – you are entitled to monetary compensation or refund!
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 TAROM, 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 TAROM, 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 TAROM |
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 TAROM Compensation?
- Your TAROM Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your TAROM Refund Is Taking a Long Time. What Can You Do About It?
- Your TAROM Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange TAROM Voucher for Cash?
When converting TAROM vouchers into cash, two circumstances are particularly noteworthy.
If you happen to have a refundable voucher, converting it into cash is an available option. By directly communicating with the airline, you can learn about the steps and criteria for turning your voucher into cash.
There may be instances where you receive a voucher in lieu of compensation or a refund, even though the regulations clearly state that you’re supposed to receive cash. In such cases, it’s crucial to get in touch with the airline to resolve the matter. By contacting them, you can voice your concerns and insist on receiving the rightful compensation in cash, not as a voucher. It’s important to stand up for your rights and make sure you’re reimbursed correctly as per the law.
4. How to Apply for a Refund From TAROM?
To request a refund for your ticket, you can do so through the “My Booking” section. The refunded amount will be returned through the same payment method that was used for booking your ticket.
The type of ticket you have and the circumstances surrounding your claim will determine whether you’re eligible for a complete, partial, or no refund.
4.1 Insist on a TAROM Refund (or Compensation), Not a Voucher
In numerous instances, the choice should be yours to make.
According to law, you reserve the right to reject TAROM vouchers or gift cards in place of compensation or a refund. This stems from EU laws that mandate both refund and EU flight compensation to be transferred to your bank account unless you as a passenger agree to to a different form of reimbursement. Thus, TAROM must offer this option instead of vouchers.
To have a thorough understanding of all possible scenarios, we recommend referring to the table we have provided earlier.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If TAROM has provided you with a voucher instead of a bank transfer, but you believe you were eligible for a monetary compensation, you can attempt to request a substitution. However, whether you will be able to secure a monetary compensation depends largely on the specifics of your case. If TAROM failed to provide a reasonable explanation or offer an option between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund initially, it’s certainly worth a shot to recover the money.
What is your experience with TAROM vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable TAROM voucher or you could use it only for TAROM flights?