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Flight Downgraded: Getting Part of the Fare Back
If an airline moves you to a lower class than you booked, UK law says you are entitled to a percentage of the price of that flight back: 30% for journeys up to 1,500 km, 50% for 1,500 to 3,500 km and 75% for over 3,500 km. You will usually only get it for the downgraded part of your journey.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights If Downgraded
How Much
If you are downgraded to a lower class than you booked, you are entitled to reimbursement of a percentage of the price for that flight: 30% for journeys up to 1,500 km, 50% for 1,500 to 3,500 km, and 75% for more than 3,500 km. You will likely only get a refund for the downgraded part of the journey. source
Which Flights Are Covered
UK flight rules (UK261) cover flights leaving a UK airport on any airline, flights arriving in the UK on an EU or UK airline, and flights arriving in the EU on a UK airline. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksAirline should reply to your complaintWithin 8 weeks, then you can escalate to ADR or the CAA
- 6 yearsLegal claim for compensationGenerally 6 years in England and Wales, 5 years in Scotland (the CAA page does not state a limit, so check before you wait)
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Keep your original booking showing the class you paid for, and your new boarding pass.
Step 2 of 4
Note the distance of the downgraded flight: it sets the percentage.
Step 3 of 4
Write to the airline asking for the refund under UK261. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 4
If you get no answer in 8 weeks or are refused, go to its ADR scheme or the CAA.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Airline's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider
You are unhappy with the airline's final response, or it has taken more than 8 weeks to reply, and the airline belongs to an ADR scheme.
Civil Aviation Authority: Passenger Advice and Complaints Team
The airline is not in an ADR scheme, after you have complained to the airline first.
Small Claims Court
The airline refuses and you want to claim the fixed compensation. Check the time limit first.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
The refund is a share of the price of the downgraded flight, not your whole trip.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- caa.co.uk/passengers-and-public/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/downgrading Checked 13 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/cancellations Checked 12 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/how-to-claim-compensation Checked 12 October 2026
- gov.uk/make-a-court-claim-for-money Checked 8 October 2026