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While it may seem surprising, it's not uncommon for airlines to sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane. Operating flights is expensive, and airlines aim to minimize costs by ensuring planes are as full as possible, even if some passengers don't show up at the last minute. As a result, airlines often sell more tickets than available seats, leading to some passengers being denied boarding.
If you're wondering whether this is legal, the answer is yes. However, there are specific regulations in place. As a passenger, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600 if you are denied boarding due to overbooking.
According to EU Regulation No. 261/2004, you have the right to claim financial compensation if:
If these conditions are met, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600.
If you meet the conditions for financial compensation for denied boarding, you are entitled to compensation depending on the length of your flight. The compensation is set at between EUR 250 and EUR 600 per person
In addition to financial compensation, you are of course entitled to a refund of the purchase price of the ticket or an alternative flight to your final destination at the earliest possible date, just as in the case of cancellation. You must also be properly informed of the denial of boarding due to overbooking and the airport staff should tell you what you are entitled to in this situation. If you come across the term extraordinary circumstances, please read this article.
If the gate staff refuses to let you on the plane, just keep your cool and try to find out as much information as possible. Take photos of your boarding passes before you travel or record them on your phone. Never accept vouchers or other forms of compensation from the airline on the spot. Accepting them would waive entitlements to which you are entitled under the European Regulation and may not be worthwhile.
Try to find out from the staff who did not let you on the plane the reason for denying you boarding. If they agree, get a written confirmation, or you can document the situation for future proof (especially that you were ready to leave on time and the reason for not being allowed on the plane was not your fault).
Check with the counter or the airline for information on a possible alternative flight. If you are not offered an alternative flight until the following day, ask for hotel arrangements. If the airline does not provide you with a hotel or an alternative flight, you can purchase everything at your own expense, which the airline must then reimburse. Find out about the refreshments that the airline should provide.
Find out what you are entitled to in your situation and contact us using the form. We'll sort everything out for you and send you the money you're owed by the next day.
You are entitled to immediate financial compensation of up to EUR 600 if you are denied boarding due to overbooking. The airline should pay you this amount immediately on the spot. If this does not happen, you can of course claim compensation afterwards. In addition, if you decide to use Refundio, you will receive your compensation from us within the next day.
Unlike cancellation or delay of a flight, or missing a connecting flight, if you are denied boarding, the airline may try to dispute your entitlement to compensation. In particular, if the denial of boarding was due to a reason on your part (e.g. late arrival at the departure gate, etc.). It is therefore important to try to obtain as much evidence as possible to prove your situation in order to facilitate the subsequent compensation claim.
Therefore, always take a picture or upload to your phone the boarding passes of not only the original flight but also the replacement flight (if you receive one). Photograph or keep any documentation you receive from the airline - try to get written proof of the reason for not boarding. Take pictures of the departure board information.
You are entitled to compensation for denied boarding immediately due to the nature of the overbooking. The airline can offer you financial compensation immediately on the spot. If this does not happen, you can also claim compensation retrospectively. You can contact the airline directly and try to negotiate compensation yourself. However, the whole process can take up to 12 months and there is no guarantee of success. Airlines are often slow to deal with these claims and may even ignore them, which can cause you considerable stress. If you don't want to go it alone, you can use Refundio.cz and leave everything to us.
You fill out our form in 5 minutes, we review everything and get back to you the same day with an offer of compensation. We will then arrange compensation for your flight and, if possible, send you the compensation in advance. No waiting, no stress and, most importantly, the certainty of receiving compensation. This is because the amount remains with you even if we subsequently lose the dispute with the airline.
If you have been denied boarding by one of the airlines listed below, read specific articles on how to compensate