Seat Downgrades, Empty‑Seat Moves & What You Can Claim (EU261 Tool)
If a booked cabin is changed to a lower class, a partial refund of the airfare portion is due within seven days under EU rules. Moves to other seats may be limited by weight & balance and class policies. Use the calculator, quick checks, and ready text below.
What changed at the gate?
Seat downgrades can occur after an aircraft swap, an operational overbooking, or to balance the cabin. The originally booked seat cannot be created on board, but the fare difference is not carried by the passenger when a downgrade occurs under EU air passenger rights. For airport rules, related policy shifts and capacity stories, see: capacity trims and airport performance data.
EU261 Downgrade Refund Calculator
Article 10 of Regulation (EC) 261/2004 sets fixed percentages of the airfare (excluding separately listed taxes/fees) for the affected segment, payable within seven days.
Guidance pages: APF downgrade refund • Airline passenger rights page.
Empty‑Seat Move Quick Check
Crew may limit moves for safety and weight & balance. Any seat change to a higher cabin requires an official upgrade or paid change. Public discussion example: USAToday Travel post. Technical safety context: FAA AC 120‑27F.
1‑Minute EU261 Quiz
Pick the correct refund percentage for each case. Then submit to check.
Simple Steps After a Downgrade
1) Keep documents
Save booking receipts, invoices, and proof of payment. Note the change of aircraft or re‑seating recorded at the airport.
2) Ask the airline for a partial refund
Contact the airline directly, even if the ticket was bought via a portal. State the EU261 downgrade refund for the affected segment and request payment within seven days.
3) Paste‑ready claim text
“This flight was downgraded from the originally booked cabin. Under EU Regulation 261/2004 Article 10, a partial refund of the airfare for the affected segment is due within seven days. Based on distance and itinerary, I request the applicable percentage refund. Taxes and separately listed fees are excluded.”
4) Need support?
Seek assistance from national enforcement bodies or passenger‑rights services if the claim is rejected.
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Closing Notes
The section listed the downgrade refund percentages, the calculator method, safety limits for seat moves, and a paste‑ready claim text.
