A growing number of air passengers in the UK are encountering situations where the seat they reserved, or paid extra for, is suddenly unavailable right before their flight.
This common industry practice, known as ‘aircraft swaps’ or ‘equipment changes,’ is becoming more frequent as airlines manage their fleets to save costs, address technical issues, or deal with delays.
Recent analysis indicates that this airline practice of switching aircraft before takeoff impacts nearly 140,000 flights annually in the UK. This can result in passengers losing their pre-booked seats, experiencing downgrades, or facing overbooking when a smaller plane replaces the original aircraft.
Fleet shortages, labor strikes, and ongoing weather disruptions increase the likelihood of last-minute aircraft swaps, according to AirAdvisor, a company specializing in air passenger rights.
Contrary to popular belief, a ticket does not guarantee a specific plane or seat; it only ensures travel within a certain class between two destinations, creating uncertainty for many passengers regarding their entitlements.
Research by AirAdvisor reveals that between 1% and 5% of flights undergo aircraft changes within 24-48 hours before departure, with the percentage rising above 5% during peak times on major carriers like British Airways and Lufthansa.
While low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet are less affected due to their standardized fleets, the risk of disruptions increases during peak travel seasons. It is essential for passengers who have faced unexpected seat changes to be aware of their rights.
Specific rights vary based on the circumstances:
If a passenger is downgraded to a lower class, UK261 regulations guarantee a refund ranging from 30% to 75% of the ticket price, depending on the flight duration.
In cases of seat loss, where passengers paid extra for specific seats like exit rows or window seats, they can claim a refund for the additional fee if the seat becomes unavailable. However, airlines can reassign seats within the same class without compensation if no extra payment was made.
Passengers denied boarding due to overbooking on smaller aircraft are entitled to compensation between €250-€600 (£216 – £519), in addition to rerouting or a refund.
If a flight is switched to an aircraft model that passengers are uncomfortable with, like the Boeing 737 MAX, airlines are not obligated to alter bookings. However, some airlines may offer rebooking as a goodwill gesture if acted upon promptly.
Currently, there is no regulation mandating airlines to inform passengers of seat or aircraft changes, except in cases of downgrading. This legal ambiguity poses challenges, especially for passengers who paid extra for seat selection or comfort.
As a result, these changes often occur without prior notice, leaving passengers surprised at the airport.
Consumer groups advocate for airlines to notify passengers of any alterations, granting travelers the choice to accept or decline new seating arrangements and receiving automatic refunds for unfulfilled services.
However, the ongoing review of UK261 regulations in Brussels has raised concerns. Certain proposals might weaken airlines’ obligations to compensate passengers for flight delays or cancellations rather than enhancing passenger protections.
Despite the increasing frequency of aircraft substitutions, this aspect remains largely overlooked in the discussions. For British travelers, this raises the likelihood of discovering last-minute seat changes or fewer available seats than expected at the departure gate.
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