Let’s talk about SAS vouchers.
SAS voucher types. How to exchange a SAS voucher to cash?
Many people are familiar with airline vouchers, which are often offered as compensation for flight disruptions. However, vouchers should not be mistaken for compensation. This article covers common situations where SAS vouchers are issued and outlines your rights in such instances. Keep in mind that oftentimes, you are not obligated to accept a voucher.
A voucher is not the same as flight compensation.
1. SAS Vouchers
Vouchers are coupons that have a set value and can be used for payment.
Airlines often issue vouchers to their customers, and SAS also offers vouchers to its passengers. There are two main types of SAS vouchers: SAS Gift Cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- SAS Gift Cards – regular travel gift cards. Can be used to pay for flights or travel extras (such as lounges) that you are booking from SAS. You can purchase such a gift card yourself.
- SAS compensation vouchers – can be used in the same way as gift cards. The difference is that such vouchers are given by the airline when there are problems with a flight (delay, cancellation, overbooking, etc.).
Receiving a gift card is pretty straightforward – someone gives it to you as a present.
However, what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers that you receive as a refund for an unused flight? If you’re curious to know more, keep reading.
2. SAS Voucher (Refund/Compensation)
What happened that you were given a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In this case you should always be given a choice.
In the event that SAS cancels your flight, they are obligated to present you with two options – a refund for cancellation or an alternative flight to your final destination. The alternative flight may be with SAS or a different airline and should be always for free. In some cases, you may also qualify for compensation as a result of the flight cancellation.
Learn more about SAS flight cancellation compensation here.
Keep in mind that refund and compensation should be paid to your bank account. The airline may offer you a voucher, but you don’t have to accept it.
2.2 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two most likely scenarios.
Either it was fault of SAS, or it wasn’t the airline’s fault.
If the cause of your flight delay was SAS’s fault, you may be eligible for flight delay compensation. It’s important to confirm your eligibility and not accept anything less than what you are entitled to.
Regulations established by the European Union govern the procedure and amount of flight compensation. Compensation amounts usually range from 250 to 600 euros. However, it’s possible that SAS may propose a voucher instead of compensation. Firstly, it’s important to note that you are not obligated to accept a voucher. Secondly, if you do choose to accept one, be sure to verify that its value is equivalent to what is mandated by the law.
If the delay of your flight was not SAS’s fault, then a voucher cannot be exchanged for money. That is – if they have even given you a voucher. Since they were not responsible for the delay, they are not legally obligated to provide any form of compensation.
2.3 You Were Denied Boarding
You don’t have to agree to give up your seat.
If the plane is overbooked, you and other passengers may be denied boarding involuntarily. In such cases, you have the right to receive either an alternate flight or a refund to your bank account. Additionally, you are entitled to compensation for being denied boarding because of the overbooking.
Same like with delays and cancellations, if the compensation is due you don’t have to accept a non-refundable voucher. You have a right to have the compensation to be transferred to your bank.
If you agree to give up your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you may be presented with a variety of offers, ranging from cash to SAS flight vouchers and gift cards. It’s crucial to closely review the specifics of what you are being offered, including whether it is refundable or non-refundable, its duration of validity, 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.
2.4 Other Situations
As always, pay attention to what you are offered.
If you have any uncertainties, it’s recommended that you conduct your own investigation to determine whether you are being treated equitably. Our website discusses various circumstances in which you may be eligible for compensation and/or a refund. It’s important to note that in many cases, you have the right to receive a full refund from SAS, rather than a voucher, even if the latter is proposed to you.
Here’s a summary of what you can get in what situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Flight delay of 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of SAS, you are entitled to flight delay compensation | No |
| Flight delay of less than 3 hours | No | No |
| Flight cancellation less than 2 weeks before the flight | If it’s due to the fault of SAS, 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 |
| Boarding denial (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 SAS |
Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to compensation, a refund, or both. Regardless of which applies, in all of the scenarios, the payment must be made either in cash or transferred to your bank account.
3. How to Request a Refund?
To get a refund for your SAS flight, go to My bookings.
Depending on your ticket type and the situation, you can request a full refund of your ticket price, extra services that you have booked with SAS, or it may be a flight compensation SAS owes you.
3.1 Demand a SAS Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In many situations you should have a choice.
You are permitted by law to reject SAS gift cards or vouchers as compensation. Furthermore, if the laws and regulations necessitate a full refund to be credited to your bank account, you should receive that instead of coupons. Even if you choose to accept these alternatives, SAS is required to provide you with the option and respect your decision.
To explore all possible scenarios, consult the table above.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If SAS provided you with a voucher in place of a cash refund, but you believe you should have been compensated with cash instead, you may attempt to arrange an exchange. However, the likelihood of obtaining a complete cash refund will depend on the particulars of your case. If you were not provided with an adequate explanation or did not have the option to choose between a voucher and cash initially, it may still be worth trying to get the money.
Read more: Your SAS Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
What is your experience with SAS vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable SAS voucher or you could use it only for SAS flights?
Featured photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels