Compensation for Overbooking

Know your overbooking rights for a better travel experience!

In case of denied boarding due to overbooking on a flight, air passengers' rights are protected and regulated by the European Union Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. Here is a list of the main rights you have as a passenger:

• File a complaint if your rights are not respected.

  If you believe your rights have not been respected, you can file a complaint directly with the airline. If you are not satisfied with the airline's response, you can forward your complaint to the national authority in the EU country where the incident occurred or in the EU country of departure.

• Right to choose between Refund or Rerouting

  If you are denied boarding against your will, the airline must offer you the choice between:

  • Full refund of the ticket cost within seven days for the part or parts of the journey not made and for those parts already made if the flight no longer serves the original purpose of the trip, along with, if necessary, a return flight to the initial point of departure at the earliest opportunity.
  • Rerouting to the final destination, either immediately or at a later time, subject to availability. In case of waiting for the next flight, you are entitled to meals, refreshments, two communications (phone calls, fax, emails), hotel accommodation, and transportation between the airport and the hotel if needed.

• Right to Financial Compensation

  In addition to reimbursement or rerouting, you are entitled to immediate financial compensation ranging from £220 to £550, depending on the flight distance and the delay upon arrival at your destination caused by the rerouting.
  It is important to note that the financial compensation may be reduced by 50% if the rerouting offered allows you to arrive at your destination with only a minimal delay compared to the originally scheduled arrival time of the flight.

Always remember that claiming compensation does not oblige you to waive your right to a refund of your ticket under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Union. These two rights serve different purposes and can be requested independently of each other, depending on the circumstances.

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 case of denied boarding due to overbooking, such as meals, beverages, two phone calls, hotel accommodation, and transportation, here’s what you can do:

• Document everything.

  Keep all evidence of the missed boarding and the lack of assistance provided, such as emails, text messages, or verbal communications with airline staff. Also, make a list of the expenses you incurred due to this situation.

• Request assistance directly at the airport.

  If possible, speak with an airline representative at the airport and request the immediate assistance you are entitled to according to the regulations. If you are denied, document the name of the person you spoke with and the response you received

• Cover your expenses, if necessary.

  If you find yourself in a situation where you need to cover expenses for meals, accommodation, or transportation, try to keep the costs reasonable and save all the receipts. These will be essential for a possible reimbursement.

• Request reimbursement of expenses.

  Once you return home, contact the airline to request reimbursement for the expenses incurred due to the lack of assistance. Attach all receipts and provide a detailed description of the incident, specifying that the airline did not provide the assistance required by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004.

• Submit an official complaint.

  If the airline refuses to reimburse you or does not respond within a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with the national authority in the EU country where the incident occurred or in the EU country where the flight departed. This authority can assess your case and provide assistance in asserting your rights.