Overbooking and denied boarding:the complete compensation guide
If you had a confirmed booking, valid documents and arrived on time, involuntary denied boarding may entitle you to €250, €400 or €600.
This guide complements our main denied boarding page.
Can denied boarding qualify for compensation?
Fixed compensation is normally due when an airline involuntarily denies boarding because of overbooking or operational reasons, provided you checked in on time with a valid reservation and travel documents.
Three separate rights
- Fixed compensation.
- Your choice of reimbursement or rerouting.
- Food, drinks and a hotel when needed.
Do not volunteer without understanding the offer. Agreed benefits generally replace the automatic compensation attached to involuntary denied boarding.
Conditions to check
Confirmed booking
Your ticket and reservation must be valid.
On-time arrival
Meet the stated check-in and boarding deadlines.
Valid documents
Passport, visa and required documents must comply.
Covered flight
The journey must fall under EU passenger rights.
Volunteer or involuntary denied boarding?
You volunteer your seat
Agree the cash, voucher, replacement flight, meals and hotel in writing before accepting.
You are denied against your will
€250 to €600 normally comes in addition to reimbursement or rerouting and care.
Ask for written confirmation that the reason was overbooking or an operational decision.
How much can you claim?
€125 if rerouting gets you there no more than 2 hours late.
€200 if arrival is no more than 3 hours late.
€300 if arrival is no more than 4 hours late.
Reimbursement, rerouting and care
Reimbursement
Ticket refund and, where relevant, a return flight to the starting point.
Early rerouting
Travel to the final destination at the earliest opportunity.
Later rebooking
Travel later at your convenience, subject to seats.
Care
Food, drinks, communications, hotel and transfers as required.
Keep itemised receipts if the airline fails to provide necessary, reasonable and appropriate care.
When can denial be justified?
Health, safety or security
Reasonable grounds may exclude compensation.
Missing documents
Invalid passport, visa or travel documents.
Late arrival
Missing the deadline may justify refusal.
Unused earlier segment
Ticket conditions may affect consecutive flights.
What should you keep?
How to claim after overbooking
Document the denial
Request the reason and written notice of your rights.
Choose your travel solution
Refund, immediate rerouting or later rebooking.
Collect evidence
Keep booking, boarding pass, messages and receipts.
Claim the correct amount
Use distance and rerouted arrival delay.
Useful pages for your claim
Overbooking questions
How much is denied boarding compensation?+
It is €250, €400 or €600 according to distance. It may be halved when rerouting gets you to the destination within the relevant time limit.
Must I accept a travel voucher?+
No. For involuntary denied boarding, a voucher should not replace the compensation payment without your signed agreement.
What if I volunteer my seat?+
You negotiate benefits with the airline. Get the payment, replacement flight, food and hotel terms in writing.
Is compensation separate from the new flight?+
Yes. For eligible involuntary denial, fixed compensation is separate from reimbursement, rerouting and care.
Must the airline pay for a hotel?+
Yes, when rerouting requires an overnight wait, including necessary transport between the airport and accommodation.
Does a visa problem qualify?+
Usually not if required documents were invalid. If the airline made an error, preserve the evidence and challenge the refusal.
Were you denied boarding?
Check whether you can claim compensation of up to €600.
No upfront fee. 30% commission including tax only if the claim succeeds.