Let’s talk about Norwegian vouchers.
Norwegian voucher types. How to exchange a Norwegian voucher to cash?
Vouchers are commonly issued by airlines as a form of compensation for flight disruptions. However, it is important to note that vouchers are not the same as flight compensation. This article discusses the different types of Norwegian vouchers, situations where they may be issued, and your rights as a passenger. Keep in mind that in most cases you don’t have to accept vouchers from the airline.
Remember – a voucher is not the same as flight compensation.
1. Norwegian Vouchers
Vouchers have a predetermined value and can be utilized for payment.
Vouchers are commonly offered by airlines to their customers, and Norwegian is no exception. There are two primary types of Norwegian vouchers that are provided to passengers: Norwegian Gift Cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- Norwegian Gift Cards – regular travel gift cards. These are prepaid cards that can be used for the purchase of flights.
- Norwegian compensation vouchers – vouchers that can be used in the same way as gift cards. The difference is that such vouchers are given by the airline when a flight is disrupted (there’s a flight delay, cancellation or overbooking).
Receiving a gift card is pretty straightforward – someone gives it to you as a gift.
However, what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers that you receive as a refund for an unused flight? Keep reading to learn more.
2. Norwegian Voucher (Refund/Compensation)
What has happened to your flight?
Why you have been given a voucher?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In this case you should always be given a choice.
If Norwegian cancels your flight, they are required to provide you with two choices – a refund for the cancellation or an alternate flight to your final destination. The alternate flight may be a Norwegian flight or a flight with a different airline. This replacement flight must always be free of charge. In certain cases, you may also be eligible for compensation for your cancelled flight.
Learn more about Norwegian flight cancellation compensation.
Keep in mind that the refund and compensation should be paid to your bank account. You don’t have to accept any vouchers from Norwegian.
2.2 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are two most likely scenarios.
Either it was due to the fault of Norwegian, or it wasn’t Norwegian’s fault.
If the cause of your flight delay was the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation. It is essential to determine your eligibility and receive the compensation you are entitled to. Don’t accept anything less than what you are entitled to.
The European Union has established regulations governing the procedure and amount of flight compensation. Typically, compensation amounts range from 250 to 600 euros. However, Norwegian may offer a voucher instead of compensation. Remember that accepting a voucher is not mandatory. If you choose to accept one, verify that its value is equivalent to what is mandated by the law.
If your flight delay was not caused by Norwegian, the airline is not legally required to provide any compensation since they are not at fault for the delay. Please note that if Norwegian does issue a voucher (in case of delay, they usually don’t), it cannot be exchanged for cash.
2.3 You Were Denied Boarding
If the flight is overbooked, you and other passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding. In such cases, you have the right to either receive an alternative flight or a refund to your bank account. Additionally, you are entitled to compensation for being involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking.
Just like with delays and cancellations, if you are entitled to compensation, you don’t have to accept a non-refundable voucher. You have the right to have the compensation transferred to your bank account.
If you agree to give up your seat voluntarily, you may be offered various perks, including cash, Norwegian flight vouchers, and gift cards. It’s essential to carefully review the terms of what you are being offered, including whether it is refundable or non-refundable, its validity period, and any restrictions 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 doubts or concerns, it’s advisable to conduct your own research to ensure that you’re being treated fairly. Our website provides information on different scenarios where you may be eligible for compensation and/or a refund. Remember that in numerous cases, you have the right to receive a full refund from Norwegian, even if they offer you a voucher instead.
Here’s a summary of what you can get in what situation:
| Situation | EU flight compensation | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Flight delayed for 3+ hours | If it’s due to the fault of Norwegian, you are entitled to flight delay compensation | No |
| Flight delayed for less than 3 hours | No | No |
| Flight cancelled less than 2 weeks before the flight | If it’s due to the fault of Norwegian, you are entitled to flight cancellation compensation | You can choose between a refund and a new flight |
| Flight cancelled more than 2 weeks before the flight | No | You can choose between a refund and a new flight |
| You are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking | You can get denied boarding compensation | You can choose between a refund and a new flight |
| You have given up your seat (voluntary denied boarding) | No | As per agreement with Norwegian |
Keep in mind that if you are entitled to a refund or compensation, or both, the airline must transfer the money to your bank account. Don’t accept any vouchers!
3. How to Request a Refund?
To get refund for a cancelled flight from Norwegian, click here.
For more information, visit the website of Norwegian.
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 Norwegian, or it may be a flight compensation Norwegian owes you.
3.1 Demand a Norwegian Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In many situations, you are entitled to a choice.
According to the law, you have the right to reject Norwegian vouchers or gift cards as compensation. If regulations require a full refund to be transferred to your bank account, you should receive it instead of vouchers.
To review all possible scenarios, refer to the table above.
What if you already accepted a voucher?
If you received a voucher instead of a monetary compensation or refund from Norwegian but believe you should have been compensated with cash or bank transfer, you can try to arrange an exchange. However, the likelihood of obtaining a complete cash refund depends on the specifics of your situation. If you did not receive an adequate explanation or were not initially given the option to choose between a voucher and money, it may still be worthwhile to attempt to receive the money.
Read more:
- Norwegian Compensation Claim Denied: What’s Next?
- Your Norwegian Refund Is Taking Forever? Here’s Your Plan of Action
What is your experience with Norwegian vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Norwegian voucher or you could use it only for Norwegian flights?
Featured photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels