Cash or Vouchers: Which Compensation Should You Accept for a Delayed Flight?
You’ve just spent hours stuck in an airport, your flight finally arrives late, and now the airline offers you a travel voucher. It feels like something is better than nothing, but should you take it?
It’s a question we hear all the time at AirAdvisor. When you’re tired, frustrated and just want to move on, that voucher can seem like the easiest route. But it’s not always the smartest one.
Here’s what you really need to know if you’re weighing a voucher against the cash compensation you may be legally entitled to.
Know What You’re Owed
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight arrives at your final destination more than three hours late, and the delay wasn’t caused by extraordinary circumstances (like severe weather or airport strikes), you could be owed up to €600/£520 in cash compensation.
But here’s the thing: Many airlines won’t tell you that. Instead, they may offer you a travel voucher, sometimes with an enticingly high face value. And if you’re not aware of your rights, you might accept it without realising you could’ve taken the cash.
Flight delayed over 3 hours or canceled?See if AirAdvisor can get you compensation.Check Your Flight
Why Airlines Push Vouchers So Hard
From the airline’s perspective, a voucher is a win. It keeps money in their pocket, encourages you to fly with them again, and often goes unused, especially if it expires before you get around to booking another trip.
But for you? A voucher isn’t always as helpful as it sounds.
Vouchers Come With Strings Attached
Unlike cash, a voucher typically means:
- You’re locked into using that airline.
- It may come with expiry dates or blackout periods.
- If the airline goes out of business, it could be worth nothing.
- You could unknowingly waive your right to proper compensation.
We’ve heard from passengers who accepted a voucher in the moment, only to later find they couldn’t use it when they needed it, or that it didn’t cover the routes they fly.
Are There Any Situations Where a Voucher Makes Sense?
Yes, occasionally. If you travel frequently with that airline, and the voucher is more generous than the standard cash amount, and comes with no silly restrictions, it might be worth considering. Just be sure to read the fine print and make a clear-eyed decision.
But if you only travel now and then, or just want the freedom to spend your compensation however you choose, cash is usually the better option.
You Have the Right to Choose
Let’s be crystal clear: Airlines cannot force you to accept a voucher. They must offer cash first. If they didn’t, or if you felt pressured, you can still pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Also, not all vouchers are created equal. Things like meal vouchers or hotel stays during a delay are part of your care rights, not your compensation. Accepting those does not affect your ability to claim proper cash compensation.
What to Do if You’ve Been Delayed
If your flight delay might qualify for compensation but you’re unsure what to do next:
- Save your boarding pass and any confirmation emails.
- Note the actual arrival time at your destination.
- Politely ask the airline staff what caused the delay.
- Decline a voucher if you’d prefer cash. Remember, it’s your choice.
And if you’d rather skip the back-and-forth altogether? That’s where we come in.
Let Us Handle It for You
At AirAdvisor, we take care of the heavy lifting. All you need to do is enter your flight details, and we take care of the rest . . . chasing the airline, filing the claim, and making sure you get the money you’re owed.
A delayed flight is frustrating enough. Don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to. Unless that voucher truly works for you, and comes without catches, you’re better off choosing the cashAnd the best part? We only charge a fee if we win your case.Let us help you claim it
Tools to Help You Out
See our list of FREE tools in the links below:
- Online Flight Delay Eligibility Checker
- Free Calculator for Flight Delay Compensation
- Free Flight Delay Compensation Letter Template
Resources & Additional Reading
Some extra resources to help you better understand flight delay compensation:
- Delayed Flight Compensation Claim Deadlines
- What are Delay Reversals?
- Business Trip Flight Delay Guide
Flight Delays by Issue
Read more about the most popular flight delay causes:
- Flight Delay due to Weather
- Flight Delay due to Diversion
- Flight Delay due to Aircraft Maintenance
- Flight Delay due to Overfueling
- Flight Delay due to Extraordinary Circumstances
FAQs
Do I have to accept a voucher as flight delay compensation?
No, you aren't obliged to accept a voucher and have the right to request cash compensation for a qualifying flight delay.
What happens if I don’t accept a flight delay compensation voucher?
If you refuse a flight delay compensation voucher, you retain the right to pursue your claim for cash compensation.
Is the voucher value bigger than the cash compensation?
In some instances, the value of a voucher may exceed the amount of cash compensation, but it often comes with restrictions and can only be spent with the issuing airline.
Can I file a claim after I accepted a voucher?
Accepting a voucher usually means waiving your rights to pursue further claims, but the specifics can depend on the airline's policy and the terms of the voucher.
Author:
Joanna Teljeur
Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead
Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.
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