This article covers the topic of Air Malta vouchers.
What are the different types of Air Malta vouchers? How can you convert an Air Malta voucher into cash? How to get a voucher from Air Malta?
Airline vouchers are often provided as a form of alternative for flight disruptions, yet they are not equivalent to compensation. Oftentimes, you don’t have to agree to a voucher, if you don’t want to, you can ask for monetary flight compensation. This article will outline the common instances where Air Malta vouchers are distributed and clear up your rights in these situations.
Remember that accepting a voucher is typically a choice.
1. Air Malta Vouchers
Vouchers are coupons with a set value that can be used instead of cash.
Airlines frequently provide vouchers to their passengers, and similarly, Air Malta offers vouchers to its customers. There are two primary kinds of Air Malta vouchers: Air Malta gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Air Malta gift cards – Typical travel gift cards that can be procured directly from the airline’s website. These can be utilized as payment for flights that you book through Air Malta. It’s possible to buy such a gift card by yourself.
- Air Malta compensation vouchers – vouchers that function similarly to gift cards. The distinguishing factor is that these vouchers are issued by Air Malta in the event of flight issues (i.e., flight delay, cancellation, overbooking).
Obtaining a gift card is quite simple – someone gifts it to you, or you purchase it for your personal use.
But what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers that you mostly obtain as a refund for a cancelled flight? Or, as a compensation for flight delay? If you wish to delve deeper, continue reading.
2. Air Malta Vouchers as Refund/Compensation
What led to you receiving a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
When your flight is cancelled, there should be a choice for you.
In the event that Air Malta cancels your flight, they are obligated to present you with two alternatives: a refund for the cancelled flight or a replacement flight to your end destination. The alternative flight can be arranged with Air Malta or another carrier and it should be at no additional cost. In some scenarios, you might also qualify for compensation due to the cancellation of the flight.
It’s important to note that Air Malta refund and compensation are supposed to be processed to your bank account. Although the airline might propose a voucher, it’s not mandatory for you to take it.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
When you, as a traveller, opt to cancel your flight, the guidelines slightly vary.
Your eligibility for a refund generally relies on the fare terms of your ticket.
If your ticket is refundable, you can claim your money back. However, if your ticket is non-refundable, you may not qualify for a full refund. Instead, Air Malta might offer a voucher that can be redeemed for future flights with them.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to read the particular terms and conditions linked with your ticket to learn of your rights in case of cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two most likely scenarios.
Either the delay was the fault of Air Malta, or it wasn’t because of the airline’s actions.
If Air Malta is at fault for your flight delay, you might be eligible for flight delay compensation. It is crucial to double-check your eligibility and claim no less than what you are lawfully owed. The procedure and compensation amount are determined by regulations enforced by the European Union. Compensation amounts generally vary from 250 to 600 euros, although in some circumstances you may only receive 50% of that.
However, Air Malta might propose a voucher instead of the compensation you are legally owed. First of all, it’s crucial to remember that accepting a voucher is a choice. Secondly, if you choose to accept a voucher, ensure its value is equivalent to the amount specified by law.
If Air Malta is not responsible for your flight delay, then a voucher (Air Malta voucher, in this case), assuming one was issued, cannot be converted into cash. As the delay was not their fault, they are not legally obligated to offer any form of compensation.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
In instances where the flight is overbooked, you and other travellers may be involuntarily denied boarding. As a passenger, you are entitled to an alternative flight or a refund to your bank account. Additionally, you may also qualify denied boarding compensation (caused by overbooking).
Similar to flight delays and cancellations, if compensation is owed you are not obliged to accept a non-refundable voucher. You can demand the funds to be deposited into your bank account.
If you willingly surrender your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you might be offered a voucher as well. It is crucial to thoroughly review the terms of the offer, including its refund-ability, it’s validity period, and any usage restrictions.
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 Situations
Always be mindful of what you are being offered by Air Malta.
If you are uncertain or have any questions, it’s advisable to do your independent research to confirm if your rights are being respected. Our website outlines a variety of circumstances where you could be entitled to compensation or a refund. It’s important to remember that in a multitude of situations, Air Malta is obligated to give a full cash refund instead of a vouche. Despite the fact that they may present the latter as the only option.
To sum it up once again – voucher is not compensation or refund. You can request compensation when it’s due, even if you’re offered an Air Malta voucher instead.
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 Air Malta, 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 Air Malta, 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 Air Malta, these can also be Air Malta vouchers |
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 Air Malta Compensation?
- Your Air Malta Compensation Claim Is Denied. What Next?
- Your Air Malta Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Your Air Malta Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange Air Malta Voucher for Cash?
You should consider two situations when thinking of exchanging your voucher for cash.
If you own a refundable voucher, you have the choice to convert it into cash. By getting in touch with Air Malta, you can seek information about the method and conditions for exchanging the voucher for cash.
If a voucher is given to you instead of compensation or a cash refund, contrary to regulations that state you should receive monetary compensation, it is important to contact the airline to fix the issue. You can voice your concerns and request the rightful compensation in cash instead of a voucher. It’s crucial to assert your rights and ensure you receive the proper compensation as per the law.
4. How to Request a Refund From Air Malta?
To request a refund from Air Malta, apply for it through the “My Bookings” section by clicking “Flight Details”. The refunded amount is typically transferred using the same method of payment you used while booking your ticket.
Depending on the type of ticket and the particulars surrounding your request, you could be entitled to a full refund, partial refund, or no refund.
4.1 Demand an Air Malta Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In many cases, you should be given a choice.
Legally, you are entitled to reject Air Malta gift cards or vouchers as compensation or refund. This is because EU regulations mandate that both a refund and UK/EU flight compensation should be paid directly to your bank account, unless you, as the passenger, consent to a different arrangement. So, Air Malta should provide a cash refund or compensation instead of vouchers.
For a detailed overview of all possible situations, refer to the table provided above.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If you have accepted a voucher from Air Malta instead of a cash refund, but you believe you were owed cash compensation, you can attempt to request a swap. However, the likelihood of receiving a full cash refund will vary based on the specifics of your case. If Air Malta did not provide a convincing explanation or did not give you the option to choose between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund initially, it’s still worth trying to get the cash.
What is your experience with Air Malta vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Air Malta voucher or you could use it only for Air Malta flights?