Questions and Answers

Due to a seven hour delay at an European airport this summer, I filed for EU 261 compensation with United Airline since I was traveling on them back to the U.S. I recently heard back from them giving me alternative choices of either 30,000 points OR a $1000 travel voucher for both hubby and myself. We are traveling again back to Europe in September of next year so it would get used. My question: since part of our trip next year is to a small city in France that would not be served by United, would the ticket be covered in light of what UAL stated in their option to me ”
United Travel Certificate* (redeemable and transferable toward the purchase of any United or United Express operated flight)”. Since the portion from Paris to Nice would not be operated by UAL, would that portion of the trip be covered?

It seems that their offer of a $1000 each is an extremely generous one where all they are liable for is 600 Euros.

What would your recommendation be? The travel voucher, the points or the EU compensation of 600 euros each.

Thank you – Jane

I’d lean towards the travel voucher. It probably gives you the most flexibility and you’ll earn miles on the travel. Just make sure to note any expiration dates and verify that you’ll be able to use it. If you travel regularly you can always use it for another trip if it doesn’t apply the way you want on the next Paris trip. Also make sure there are no caveats about booking classes etc that will make it a hassle to redeem.

Also, just because it seems generous doesn’t mean that it necessarily is. EUR600 is ~$675 cash that UA would have to shell out. Giving you a voucher for $1000 probably doesn’t cost them anywhere near as much depending on how you calculate costs.