This article will delve into SmartLynx vouchers.
What are SmartLynx voucher types? How to convert a voucher into cash?
It’s vital to differentiate between airline vouchers and flight compensation. Airline vouchers are commonly provided to passengers as a form of compensation for flight disturbances. However, it’s important to note that accepting vouchers is not obligatory, as they do not equate to compensation. The article will explore airline flight vouchers, delving into their intent, the situations prompting their issuance, and your rights as a passenger in such instances.
Remember – a voucher is not the same as flight compensation.
1. SmartLynx Vouchers
Vouchers are essentially coupons that hold a specific monetary value and can be used as a form of payment. It’s common practice for airlines to issue vouchers to their customers, and SmartLynx is no different. There are two primary kinds of SmartLynx vouchers: gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.
- SmartLynx Gift Cards – standard travel gift cards that are available for purchase online. These gift cards serve as a payment method for booking flights with SmartLynx. It’s possible to buy such a gift card for your own use.
- SmartLynx compensation vouchers – SmartLynx vouchers that function similarly to gift cards. The distinguishing factor is that these vouchers are provided by SmartLynx in the event of flight issues (i.e., flight delay, cancellation, overbooking).
The process of receiving a gift card is simple – it’s often gifted to you or it may be something you’ve bought for yourself.
But how about compensation vouchers or vouchers that you receive as a refund for a cancelled flight? If you’re curious to learn more, continue reading.
2. SmartLynx Voucher as Refund/Compensation
What is the reason why you are offered SmartLynx vouchers?
2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled
In the event your flight is cancelled, a choice must be presented to you.
Should SmartLynx cancel your flight, they have an obligation to provide you with a choice between a refund for the cancellation or an alternate flight to your final destination. This replacement flight can be with SmartLynx or another carrier and should be provided at no extra cost. Under certain circumstances, you may also qualify for compensation as a result of flight cancellation.
Bear in mind that SmartLynx compensation and refunds are to be made to your bank account. Although the airline might offer you a voucher, it is not required that you accept it.
In the EU, flight compensation and refunds must be paid to your bank account or in cash.
2.2 You Cancelled a Flight
In the instance that you, the passenger, choose to cancel your flight, the guidelines vary slightly.
According to SmartLynx’s policy, your eligibility for a refund is largely dependent on the fare conditions of your ticket.
If you have purchased a refundable ticket, you can get a refund. However, if your ticket is non-refundable, you may not receive a full refund. Instead, SmartLynx might provide you with a voucher for future travel with the airline.
Regardless, it’s important to review the specific terms and conditions associated with your ticket to understand your rights in case of cancellation.
2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed
There are typically two possible scenarios.
The delay was either the fault of SmartLynx or it was out of the airline’s control.
If SmartLynx is accountable for your flight delay, you could be entitled to compensation for the flight delay. It is crucial to determine your eligibility and demand your rightful compensation. The procedure and the compensation amount are dictated by regulations set by the European Union. Compensation usually varies from 250 to 600 euros, but in exceptional cases, you may only receive 50% of that.
SmartLynx may offer a voucher instead of the compensation you’re owed. Remember, it’s not obligatory to accept SmartLynx vouchers. If you do, make sure voucher value complies with legal requirements.
If SmartLynx is not responsible for your flight delay, then a voucher cannot be converted to cash, provided they have even issued you one. Since the delay was not their fault, they are not legally obligated to offer any form of compensation.
2.4 You Were Denied Boarding
If the flight is full, you and other passengers might be involuntarily denied boarding.
As a passenger, you have the right to receive an alternate flight or a refund to your bank account. Furthermore, you might also qualify for denied boarding compensation as a result of overbooking.
As with delays and cancellations, if compensation is due, you are not obliged to accept a non-refundable voucher. You have the right to request the funds to be deposited into your bank account.
If you willingly surrender your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you may also receive a voucher. It is vital to thoroughly understand the terms of the offer, including whether it is refundable or non-refundable, its validity period, and any restrictions on its usage.
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 carefully examine the offer you are presented with.
If you have any uncertainties or questions, it is recommended to conduct your own research to confirm whether you are receiving fair treatment. Our website outlines various scenarios where you may be eligible for compensation or a refund. Keep in mind that in many cases, SmartLynx is obligated to provide a full refund or compensation instead of a voucher, even if they suggest the latter as the only option.
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 SmartLynx, 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 SmartLynx, 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 SmartLynx |
The sort of compensation you get will be determined by the exact circumstances and may include a refund, compensation, or both. It is crucial to remember that, depending on the circumstances, any payment you are entitled to must be either in cash or deposited straight to your bank account.
You don’t have accept SmartLynx vouchers.
Read more:
- How to Claim SmartLynx Compensation?
- Your SmartLynx Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your SmartLynx Refund Is Taking Forever. What To Do?
- Your SmartLynx Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
3. How to Exchange SmartLynx Vouchers for Cash?
Regarding the conversion of a voucher to cash, two circumstances should be contemplated.
Firstly, if you hold a refundable voucher, you are allowed to exchange it into cash. By reaching out to the airline, you can inquire about the procedure and prerequisites for exchanging the voucher for money.
Secondly, there might be situations where you are given a voucher as a substitute for compensation or refund, despite laws affirming that you should receive monetary compensation/refund. In this situation, it is important to contact the airline to resolve the issue. By reaching out to them, you can express your concerns and request cash compensation instead of a voucher. It is crucial to assert your rights and ensure you receive the proper restitution as required by law.
4. How to Request a Refund From SmartLynx?
If your intention is to get a refund for your cancelled flight, contact SmartLynx or the travel agency that sold you the flight.
The type of ticket you have and the conditions surrounding your request will determine whether you are eligible for a complete refund, partial refund, or no refund at all.
4.1 Demand a SmartLynx Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher
In many scenarios, you should have an option.
As per the law, you have the right to refuse SmartLynx vouchers as a refund or compensation. EU regulations state that both a refund and EU flight compensation should be transferred to your bank account unless you agree otherwise as a passenger. Consequently, SmartLynx is obligated to provide the aforementioned instead of vouchers.
Please refer to the provided table above for a detailed overview of all possible scenarios.
What if you have already accepted a voucher?
If SmartLynx has given you a voucher instead of a cash refund/compensation, but you believe you should receive cash refund/compensation, you can request a switch. However, whether you get a full cash refund depends on the details of your case. If SmartLynx didn’t provide a satisfactory explanation or didn’t give you the option between a voucher and financial compensation/refund initially, it’s worth pursuing the cash.
What is your experience with SmartLynx vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable SmartLynx voucher or you could use it only for SmartLynx flights?