UK261 – United offering alternatives

[LewisB]

Good afternoon all,

I was recently delayed over 78 hours getting to Calgary from London via Denver with United Airlines after they took too long cleaning the aircraft in London and then missing their slot etc. After submitting my UK261 claim surprisingly they have come back offering me alternatives in the sum of a $1000 credit voucher or 50,000 miles. Now, has anyone had any success in asking for a slightly higher amount for these alternatives with United?

For context, I did a status match from my BA Silver to United solely for this trip and don’t really intend on flying with United again but would consider it if they were willing to give me a $1500 voucher as an example to go with the £250 cashback offer on Amex. I should be able to find a cheap business-class fare by stacking those offers.

Thanking you in advance.

[NorthernLass]

You can try, of course, but $1000 is already higher than the cash compensation for such a delay, so they may well say no. Also are you sure the offers would stack as Amex has been known to be quite picky about how they apply this cashback?

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

This has always been an option in the regulation for an airline to offer points or a voucher in lieu of the statutory amount but it remains your choice which to take.

I wouldn’t try and ask for more. They could just withdraw the offer and pay you the £520.

$1,000 is currently worth around £800

Before you accept the voucher / points be very aware of any ‘use by’ or other restrictions (can you use them on UA partners for example to fly Lufthansa or Aer Lingus for example) as this is a once only choice.

[Lady London]

I’d say no thanks I want the money.

Don’t forget you can also make a separate duty of care claim if you had any extra accommodation or “away” meals cost because of this.

Also seen comments beware vouchers from airlines, esp US one as they may have unacceptable restrictions on them.

I suppose you could try for a ticket, say in PY return leg US to UK (as that’s the direction BA loads outrageous surcharges onto), or Y return both legs UK -US both legs valid for 1 year, rather than a voucher