Air France compensation voucher: EUR 350, 500 or 800 versus cash
Short answer: for a qualifying EU261 claim, you can choose statutory money compensation of EUR 250, EUR 400 or EUR 600 rather than an Air France travel voucher. Air France currently publishes higher non-refundable voucher alternatives of EUR 350, EUR 500 and EUR 800. A voucher requires agreement, so compare expiry, transferability, eligible journeys and your real likelihood of using it before accepting.
Free eligibility check
Check your case in the form
Enter your route, date and type of disruption. We will check whether your case qualifies for a claim under EU 261/2004 or UK261.
What happened to your flight?
Claim up to €600 for a delayed or cancelled flight.
Choose the situation that applies to your flight:
The published options and legal rules were checked on 13 August 2026.
The two published compensation scales
Air France's passenger-rights notice distinguishes cash from a non-refundable transportation voucher:
| EU261 route category | Money compensation | Non-refundable voucher option |
|---|---|---|
| up to 1,500 km | EUR 250 | EUR 350 |
| intra-EU over 1,500 km, or other 1,500-3,500 km | EUR 400 | EUR 500 |
| other routes over 3,500 km | EUR 600 | EUR 800 |
The higher face value is not free money in the same sense as cash. Its practical value depends on whether you can use it under the applicable conditions.
Certain long-haul cases can permit a 50% reduction where rerouting limits arrival delay. Confirm the amount Air France accepts before comparing alternatives.
EU261 requires passenger agreement
Article 7(3) says compensation is paid in cash, by electronic bank transfer, bank order or cheque, or, with the passenger's signed agreement, in travel vouchers or other services. The carrier cannot make a travel credit the only route to settlement.
Digital acceptance can have legal effect. Read the button, confirmation screen and linked terms before clicking. Take screenshots showing whether Air France offered money and whether the voucher was refundable.
If a voucher appeared automatically without clear consent, write promptly that you request the statutory monetary method and did not agree to substitute credit.
Four vouchers that should not be confused
The word "voucher" can describe different transactions:
- compensation voucher: an agreed alternative to EUR 250-600 under Article 7;
- ticket-refund credit: value replacing reimbursement for an unused ticket;
- volunteer benefit: negotiated at the gate for surrendering a seat;
- care voucher: meals or accommodation during disruption.
A EUR 20 meal voucher does not settle a compensation claim. A flight credit returning the fare does not replace inconvenience compensation. Ask Air France to identify the legal purpose and reference attached to every voucher.
Compare real value, not face value
Before choosing the higher Air France credit, examine:
- expiry and booking deadline;
- whether travel must finish before expiry;
- eligible Air France or partner services;
- ability to combine it with another voucher;
- passenger-name or transfer restrictions;
- eligible taxes, fees and extras;
- treatment if the new fare costs less;
- cancellation terms for a ticket bought with the voucher.
A frequent Air France traveller may value EUR 800 above EUR 600 cash. A passenger unlikely to fly Air France again may rationally prefer the lower but unrestricted payment.
Do not assume the voucher can be sold, transferred to a relative or converted later. Use only written terms applicable to the issued credit.
Families and groups
EU261 compensation is individual. Four qualifying passengers can each have a EUR 600 monetary claim on a long covered route, subject to the facts. If Air France offers vouchers, confirm whether each voucher belongs to the named passenger and whether several can fund one family booking.
Parents should not accept one aggregated credit without a calculation showing every traveller. Keep each ticket number and settlement record.
An infant's position can depend on ticket and carriage details. Do not assume that every name on a reservation has the same entitlement without checking whether that person held a qualifying reservation.
Voucher acceptance and final settlement
Read whether acceptance settles only fixed compensation or all claims arising from the disruption. Care expenses, downgrade reimbursement and ticket value can be separate. A broad release can create an avoidable dispute.
If Air France labels the voucher a goodwill payment, ask whether the airline admits or rejects EU261 compensation. Keep the accompanying email. Goodwill should not silently replace statutory rights unless the settlement clearly says so and you agree.
After valid acceptance, changing your mind may be difficult. Consumer or contract law can provide remedies in specific cases, but there is no general promise that Air France must exchange an agreed non-refundable voucher for cash later.
Cash payment details
For monetary compensation, provide accurate bank details through the official claim channel. Verify the account-holder name, IBAN or other required identifier and currency. Never send banking credentials to an address you cannot authenticate.
Air France may request authority where one person manages claims for several adults. A parent or guardian can identify the legal basis for a minor. Avoid uploading unnecessary identity information.
Keep the claim reference and payment confirmation. If the amount is short, request the route category and any reduction Air France applied.
Refund voucher after cancellation
A cancelled flight creates a choice between reimbursement and rerouting. If you select reimbursement, EU261 points to monetary methods and allows a voucher by agreement. This fare refund is separate from an optional compensation voucher.
Example: Air France cancels a EUR 700 ticket at short notice for an ordinary operational cause on a route qualifying for EUR 400. A passenger who abandons travel may have a EUR 700 ticket reimbursement and a separate EUR 400 cash compensation claim. One credit for EUR 700 does not necessarily resolve both.
The refund and rerouting guide helps identify the underlying choice before any credit is accepted.
If Air France issued the wrong remedy
Write under the existing case reference and include:
- the remedy requested;
- the credit or voucher identifier issued;
- screenshots showing no informed selection;
- the amount of statutory compensation calculated;
- a request for payment by bank transfer or another Article 7 method.
Do not use the voucher while disputing its issue, because use can be presented as acceptance. Preserve its terms and expiry while the complaint is pending.
Future EU changes
The passenger-rights reform adopted in July 2026 was not applicable on 13 August 2026. Its future process should not be used to replace current Article 7 payment rights. The future nine-month claim-notification period and 30-day airline response period likewise do not govern a current submission yet.
See the Air France compensation overview.
FAQ
Can Air France force me to take a voucher?
No. EU261 permits a travel voucher instead of money only with passenger agreement. Request bank transfer or another statutory monetary method if preferred.
Why is the Air France voucher amount higher than cash?
The extra face value encourages future travel and compensates for restrictions. Its actual value depends on the terms and your ability to use it.
Is a meal voucher compensation?
No. Meal credit is part of care during waiting time and does not replace an Article 7 fixed payment.
Can every family member choose differently?
Compensation is individual, so settlement choices should be recorded per passenger. Check whether an adult can legally accept on behalf of a minor.
Can I convert an accepted non-refundable voucher later?
Do not assume so. Conversion depends on the issued terms or another applicable legal remedy; the safer point to choose cash is before acceptance.