Compensation for Denied Boarding on a Flight

You have your plane ticket in hand, ready for your vacation or return home, only to be told at the boarding gate that you cannot board the plane? In such a case, it's important to know that you have rights and may be entitled to up to €600 for denied boarding.

Your Rights in Case of Denied Boarding

If you are involuntarily denied boarding and no alternative flight is available within two hours of the original flight time, you are entitled to compensation. Knowing your rights in these situations is essential, as this is one of the most common issues faced by air passengers. Compensation can vary but can reach up to €600 depending on the flight distance.

There are two types of denied boarding – voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Denied Boarding

If the airline overbooks the flight, passengers may be asked to give up their seat in exchange for benefits. These benefits may include travel credits, vouchers, or even hotel accommodation.

The voluntary denied boarding process is straightforward. If you agree to have your ticket and seat changed, you are considered voluntarily denied boarding. It’s important to note that in such situations, you won’t be eligible for financial compensation as you would be in the case of involuntary denied boarding.

Involuntary Denied Boarding

Involuntary denied boarding occurs when, despite having a valid reservation and meeting all the necessary travel conditions, the airline denies you boarding. This often happens due to overbooking – more passengers than available seats.

Airlines may overbook to ensure flights are as full as possible, accounting for cancellations and no-shows. However, if all passengers with valid reservations show up for the flight, some may face the unpleasant surprise of being denied boarding.

In this case, you should know your rights. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if you are a victim of involuntary denied boarding, you are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance. Additionally, the airline must offer a ticket refund or an alternative flight, as well as access to meals, drinks, and other essential services.

Important!

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you are also entitled to compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or missed connections. -Link to compensation page for delays and cancellations

Are You Eligible for Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for Denied Boarding?

To be eligible for compensation, you must meet the following conditions:

• You did not voluntarily give up your seat.
• You arrived on time for check-in and at the boarding gate.
• You have all necessary travel documents.
• You do not pose a security or health risk.

What Compensation Can You Claim for Denied Boarding?

Compensation for denied boarding is regulated by EU Regulation 261/2004 and is calculated based on the flight distance:

• For short-haul flights up to 1,500 km, you are entitled to compensation of up to €250.
• For medium-haul flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, compensation can reach up to €400.
• For long-haul flights over 3,500 km, compensation can reach up to €600.

Additional Rights

In addition to compensation for denied boarding, you also have other rights. One of these is the full refund of the ticket cost or the unused part of the journey. If you are denied boarding, you can request a refund from the airline within 7 days. Refunds can be made via bank transfer, money order, or check. If you’ve only used part of the ticket, you can request a refund for the unused segment.

Besides the refund, you have the right to an immediate return flight to the original point of departure or alternative transportation. This right is valid if you no longer wish to travel to your final destination due to the denied boarding. The airline must offer a return flight as soon as possible or alternative transport back to the departure point.

If the waiting time for the replacement flight exceeds 2 hours, you are entitled to meals and drinks. The airline must provide vouchers for meals and drinks depending on the waiting time. In addition, you are entitled to two free phone calls, faxes, or emails. If an overnight stay is required, or if the replacement flight is scheduled for the next day, you are entitled to hotel accommodation.

Reduced Compensation

The rule of reduced compensation states that the compensation amount can be reduced by 50% if the arrival time of the alternative flight is less than 2 hours. Thus, even if you are forced to wait, not all is lost.

1. If your flight is less than 1,500 km and arrives at the final destination up to 2 hours later than the scheduled arrival time, you can claim compensation of €125.
2. For flights over 1,500 km within the EU and all flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km outside the EU, which arrive at the final destination up to 3 hours later, you are eligible for compensation of €200.
3. For long-haul flights over 3,500 km outside the EU, if they arrive at the final destination up to 4 hours later, you can claim compensation of €300.

What Documents Do You Need to Receive Compensation for Denied Boarding?

It’s essential to keep all your flight-related documents. These include:

• Boarding pass.
• Electronic ticket.
• Booking confirmation.
• Baggage tag.

These may be requested by the airline to validate your compensation claim.

Additionally, if you incurred extra expenses due to denied boarding, you should keep all receipts and invoices. These may include costs for meals, accommodation, or transport and can support your compensation claim.

Important! Request a denied boarding certificate at the airport! This document is clear proof that you were denied boarding and can be extremely useful in the compensation process. Make sure the document states the exact reason for the denied boarding!

How Soon After a Denied Boarding Can You Claim Compensation?

To claim compensation for denied boarding, it's essential to know the time limit within which you can file a complaint. This varies by country.

When Is the Airline Not Required to Provide Compensation for Denied Boarding?

The right to compensation for denied boarding is guaranteed by EU Regulation 261/2004, but there are situations in which airlines are not obligated to offer compensation:

• If you voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for alternative benefits, such as vouchers or travel points.
• If you do not have a valid passport or visa. In this case, you cannot claim compensation for denied boarding from Wizz Air, for example, because it is your responsibility to ensure you have all the necessary travel documents.
• Late check-in or arriving at the boarding gate after the time specified by the airline may also result in denied boarding.
• If you are considered a security or health threat to other passengers or crew.

Claim Compensation for Denied Boarding with AirClaim!

If you were denied boarding and are entitled to compensation, contact AirClaim! With a simple and stress-free process, no upfront costs, and expert assistance, AirClaim is the ideal solution for claiming compensation for denied boarding.