Denied Boarding?
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Airlines overbook flights to maximise capacity. If you were denied boarding against your will, EU and UK law entitle you to compensation.
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Compensation depends on flight distance and boarding circumstances.
Do I qualify for overbooking compensation?
Three key conditions must be met for denied boarding compensation under EC 261/2004.
Confirmed Reservation
You had a valid ticket, confirmed booking, and checked in on time as required by the airline.
Involuntary Denial
You were refused boarding against your will, not because you chose to accept vouchers or benefits.
Applicable Routes
Your flight departed from the EU/UK, or arrived in the EU/UK with an EU/UK-based carrier.
Important: Compensation applies even if the airline offered you a replacement flight. You are entitled to compensation for the denied boarding itself.
Calculate your overbooking compensation
Compensation for denied boarding is based on flight distance, not ticket price. Use our calculator to estimate your claim.
Compensation amounts:
Short-haul flights
Under 1,500 km
Medium-haul flights
1,500 – 3,500 km
Long-haul flights
Over 3,500 km
Distance is calculated using the "great circle" method — the shortest path between two airports on Earth's surface. We cover 230+ airports worldwide.
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How to claim denied boarding compensation
Two ways to pursue your claim—we recommend using our service for the best results.
With FlightDelays.eu
Let our experts handle everything—from paperwork to airline negotiations.
- Free eligibility check in minutes
- No upfront costs—we only get paid if you win
- We handle all airline communication
- Legal escalation if needed at no extra cost
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- Claim paid directly to you
Claim Directly
Contact the airline yourself to pursue your compensation claim.
- Write formal complaint letter
- Navigate airline's claim process
- Wait weeks or months for responses
- Handle rejections and appeals yourself
- May need to pursue legal action
- No service fees if successful
Airlines often delay or reject valid claims. Many passengers give up before receiving compensation.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Denied Boarding
Understanding the difference is crucial for your compensation claim.
Involuntary Denied Boarding
You were refused boarding against your will, without being given a choice.
✓ Full compensation rights apply
You are entitled to up to €600 plus care and re-routing.
- Compensation based on flight distance
- Right to re-routing or refund
- Right to care (meals, accommodation)
Voluntary Bumping
You agreed to give up your seat in exchange for benefits offered by the airline.
⚠ Different rules may apply
But you may still have additional rights—many passengers are pressured into "voluntary" agreements.
- Airlines often don't explain full rights
- Vouchers may be worth less than compensation
- Worth checking if you have additional claims
Were you pressured?
Airlines often pressure passengers into accepting vouchers without clearly explaining their full rights. If you weren't properly informed that you could refuse and receive full compensation, you may still be entitled to additional compensation. Contact us to assess your specific situation.
How long does a denied boarding claim take?
Claim duration varies based on airline responsiveness and case complexity.
Simple Cases
2-8 weeksAirline accepts responsibility and processes payment promptly.
Disputed Claims
1-3 monthsAirline initially rejects claim; we negotiate and provide evidence.
Legal Escalation
6-12+ monthsCourt proceedings required when airlines refuse valid claims.
Good news: Overbooking claims are typically straightforward as airlines rarely have valid defences for denied boarding.
Extraordinary circumstances rarely apply to overbooking
Unlike delays or cancellations, overbooking is a commercial decision by the airline. This means they cannot claim it was outside their control.
Airlines CANNOT avoid compensation for:
- • Selling more tickets than available seats
- • Aircraft changes with fewer seats
- • Crew scheduling conflicts
- • Commercial or operational decisions
- • Weight and balance restrictions due to overbooking
This is why denied boarding claims have very high success rates—airlines have limited legal defences when they overbook flights.
Immediate assistance when denied boarding
Beyond compensation, airlines must provide care and assistance while you wait for alternative travel arrangements.
Meals & Drinks
Free food and beverages appropriate to waiting time
Communication
Two phone calls, emails, or faxes
Accommodation
Hotel stay if overnight wait is required
Transport
Transfer between airport and hotel
Paid expenses yourself? Keep all receipts. You can claim reimbursement for reasonable costs if the airline didn't provide care.
What are your options when denied boarding?
When denied boarding, you can choose between these alternatives—in addition to receiving compensation.
Re-routing ASAP
Get on the next available flight to your destination at the earliest opportunity.
Re-routing Later
Choose to travel at a later date that suits you, subject to seat availability.
Full Refund
If you no longer wish to travel, you're entitled to a full refund of your ticket.
Remember: These options are in addition to compensation. You're entitled to both your chosen alternative AND financial compensation.
What documents do you need?
Gather these documents to support your denied boarding compensation claim.
Required Documents
- • Boarding pass or booking confirmation
- • Flight details (flight number, date, route)
- • ID used for booking (passport/ID card number)
- • Evidence of denied boarding (written confirmation from airline)
Helpful Additional Documents
- • Receipts for any expenses incurred
- • Any written communication with the airline
- • Alternative flight details (if re-routed)
- • Photos of gate displays or announcements
- • Witness statements if available
Common questions about overbooking compensation
Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ
Compensation amounts shown are the maximum payable under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. Actual amounts depend on flight distance and circumstances.
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This website provides general information and does not constitute individual legal advice. Eligibility depends on specific flight circumstances.