ReFly operates in compliance with Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Union, which entitles air passengers to compensation in cases of denied boarding.
When an airline is unable to board a passenger despite having a confirmed reservation, the passenger is entitled to compensation, as financial compensations are provided.
When am I entitled to compensation for denied boarding?
The right to compensation for denied boarding on flights follows specific rules within the European Union, established by Regulation EC 261/2004. These rules also apply in some cases to flights departing from or arriving in non-EU member countries, depending on the airline. To be eligible for compensation for denied boarding, the law clearly states that all of the following conditions must be met.
How much compensation can I receive for denied boarding?
The compensation you can receive for a delayed flight depends on the flight distance and the duration of the delay, ranging from 250€, 400€, to 600€. The amount increases with longer flight distances, ensuring adequate compensation for passengers.
250€
The compensation of 250€ for a delayed flight specifically applies to flights of less than 1500 km.
400€
The compensation of 400€ for a delayed flight applies to flights between 1500 km and 3500 km.
600€
The compensation of 600€ for a delayed flight applies to flights exceeding 3500 km.
It only takes 2 minutes
How can I get my compensation?
Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps:
1
Send the claim request
It only takes 1 minute to discover the amount of your compensation.
2
Lavoriamo per i tuoi diritti
I nostri legali collaboreranno con le compagnie aeree e le autorità per il tuo caso.
3
We work for your rights
Our legal team will collaborate with the airlines and authorities regarding your case.
Know your flight delay rights for a better travel experience!
In case of denied boarding against the passenger's will, air passenger rights are protected and regulated by European Union Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. Here is a list of the main rights of passengers in this situation:
Right to Information
Airlines are required to inform passengers about their rights in case of delays.
Right to Assistance
Meals and beverages proportionate to the wait time.
Two phone calls, messages via fax or email.
Accommodation in a hotel and transportation between the airport and the accommodation if an overnight stay or additional stay beyond the originally planned one is necessary.
Ticket refund or rerouting
Full refund of the ticket within seven days for the part or parts of the journey not made and for the parts already made if the flight no longer serves the original purpose of the trip, together, if necessary, with a return flight to the first point of departure as soon as possible.
Rerouting to the final destination as soon as possible or on a later date convenient to the passenger, subject to seat availability.
Asking for compensation for a flight delay does not mean you have to forfeit a refund for your ticket if it is warranted by the circumstances. According to Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Union, rights to compensation and refund are distinct and can be applied based on different situations:
How is Refund defined?
You have the right to receive a full refund of the ticket for the unused or partially used portions of the journey if the flight no longer serves the original purpose of the trip, along with, if necessary, a return flight to the first point of departure as soon as possible.
How is Compensation defined?
In addition to the refund, you may be entitled to immediate financial compensation ranging from 250€ to 600€, depending on the distance of the flight. Compensation is due when denied boarding is not justified by valid reasons such as safety, health, or inadequate documentation from the passenger.
The choice to request a refund does not exclude the right to compensation, as these are considered separate rights under EU regulations. However, if you accept an alternative flight (rerouting) to your final destination and the delay is between 3 and 4 hours from the originally scheduled time, the compensation may be reduced by 50%.
It is important to remember that, to exercise your rights, you should clearly communicate your intentions to the airline and ensure you receive all information regarding your rights in the event of denied boarding.
If you find yourself in a situation where the airline does not provide the assistance measures required by European Union Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 in the event of a flight loss due to denied boarding, follow these steps to ensure your rights are protected:
Document the situation
Keep all evidence of the lack of assistance, such as communications with the airline, photographs, or testimonies from other passengers. Note down the times, names of the employees you spoke with, and any relevant details.
Request assistance on site
If possible, speak directly with the airline staff at the airport. Often, the situation can be resolved immediately if the staff is informed of your needs. Remind them of your rights under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004.
If you advance the expenses, keep the receipts.
If the airline does not provide assistance and you find yourself in a situation of need, such as for food or accommodation, you may have to cover the expenses upfront. Keep all your receipts, as they will be necessary for requesting a refund.
Submit an official complaint
If the airline does not respond or refuses the refund, you can file a complaint with the relevant national authority in the EU country where the incident occurred or in the EU country of the flight's departure. Each member state has a national body responsible for enforcing the air passenger rights regulation.
Remember, you have the right to receive immediate assistance in case of denied boarding due to overbooking, according to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. The key is to stay informed about your rights and act proactively to ensure they are respected.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compensation for Denied Boarding
You are entitled to compensation for denied boarding when the airline cannot board you despite having a confirmed reservation. The right applies under Regulation EC 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU or arriving in the EU with EU-based airlines. Compensation is due when the denied boarding is not justified by valid reasons such as safety issues, health concerns, or inadequate passenger documentation.
Compensation for denied boarding depends on the distance of the flight:
€250 for flights up to 1,500 km
€400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
€600 for flights over 3,500 km
The amount increases with longer distances, ensuring adequate compensation for passengers.
Regulation EC 261/2004 applies to flights departing from the EU with any airline, and to flights arriving in the EU operated by EU-based airlines. In some cases, the rules also apply to flights departing from or arriving in non-EU countries, depending on the airline.
If you are denied boarding, you are entitled to:
Information about your rights
Assistance such as meals and beverages proportionate to the waiting time, two phone calls or emails
Hotel accommodation and airport–hotel transportation if an overnight stay is required
A full refund of the ticket or rerouting to your final destination
Financial compensation between €250 and €600 depending on the flight distance
Yes. Under Regulation EC 261/2004, the rights to compensation and to a refund are separate and may be applied together. The refund covers the cost of the ticket for the unused part of the journey, while compensation is an additional financial payment of €250 to €600 for the inconvenience suffered. Choosing a refund does not exclude your right to compensation.
A refund means the right to receive a full reimbursement of the ticket within seven days for the part or parts of the journey not flown, and for the parts already flown if the flight no longer serves the original purpose of the trip. If necessary, it also includes a return flight to the first point of departure as soon as possible.
Rerouting means the right to be rebooked to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or on a later date at your convenience, subject to seat availability. The airline must offer you an alternative flight to reach your destination.
You are not entitled to compensation when the denied boarding is justified by valid reasons such as safety concerns, health issues, or inadequate passenger documentation. In these cases, the airline is not responsible, as the circumstances relate to the passenger.
The process is simple and fast in 3 steps:
Submit your claim: it takes just 2 minutes to check the compensation amount and send your request
ReFly works for you: the legal team will negotiate with the airlines and authorities on your behalf
Receive your compensation: once the case is won, the money will be deposited into your bank account
You pay nothing unless you win! ReFly covers all costs and has a 98% success rate.
ReFly operates in compliance with regulations regarding passenger rights.
Only a few air travelers know their rights, and many of them lack the necessary legal understanding to claim compensation for flight delays. Even if they are aware of their rights, the process of asking airlines for compensation can be challenging.
