DENIED BOARDING COMPENSATION
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What You Need to Know
Finding out you can't board your flight because it's overbooked is more than just annoying; it can throw your whole trip off. But did you know you might be entitled to compensation if this happens? Our UK flight compensation experts have put together some straightforward tips to understanding your rights and what steps to take if you're denied boarding in the UK or on flights covered by EU regulations.
Why Might You Be Denied Boarding?
Airlines sometimes sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane, expecting that some passengers won't show up. However, if all passengers do arrive and the flight is fully booked, the airline may need to deny boarding to certain passengers, even if they hold valid tickets, have checked in on time, and meet all travel requirements. This situation typically occurs when a flight is overbooked. For a case to qualify as denied boarding, the airline must lack a justifiable reason for denying access. Common scenarios include:
Overbooking:
More tickets sold than available seats.
Rebooking:
Passengers being involuntarily rebooked on another flight.
Operational Denial:
The airline refusing boarding despite the flight being operational.
Your Rights to Compensation
If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you may be entitled to compensation of up to £520 under Regulations UK261 or EU261, depending on factors such as flight distance and delay. This applies to flights departing from the UK or EU, or flights to these regions with a UK or EU airline.
To qualify for compensation, passengers must:
Arrive at the gate on time
Make sure you're at the boarding gate by the time specified on your boarding pass.
Have the necessary travel documents
Ensure you have all required documents such as passport, visa, and boarding pass.
Present no safety or behavioural risks
Airlines can deny boarding for safety or security reasons without compensation.
Understanding your rights and the airline's obligations is key to securing the compensation you deserve.
Types of Denied Boarding
There are two main types of denied boarding situations, each with different implications for compensation.
Voluntary Denied Boarding
In some cases, airlines offer passengers the option to give up their seats in exchange for perks like vouchers, flight credits, or upgrades. If you choose to volunteer, you forgo the right to compensation under UK261 or EU261. The airline may offer you incentives such as vouchers or air miles, however this is typically lower in value that the compensation you are entitled to.
Involuntary Denied Boarding
If no one volunteers, the airline may select passengers to deny boarding. In this case, affected passengers are entitled to compensation under UK/EU261 or the Montreal Convention. You'll also receive reimbursement for your ticket or be rebooked on an alternative flight, plus additional benefits such as meals, refreshments, and accommodations if there are significant delays.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount of compensation for involuntary denied boarding depends on the flight distance and the length of your delay:
| Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Flights 1,500 km or less | £220 |
| Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km | £350 |
| Flights over 3,500 km | £520 |
Steps to Take if You're Denied Boarding
Follow these steps to ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to if you're denied boarding.
Don't Volunteer Without Knowing Your Rights:
If the airline asks for volunteers to give up their seats, remember that accepting vouchers or other perks might mean giving up your right to compensation.
Keep Your Travel Documents:
Hold onto your boarding pass and any other booking documents. These are crucial for making a claim.
Ask Why You're Denied Boarding:
Knowing the reason can be important, especially if you decide to claim compensation later.
Request an Alternative Flight or Refund:
You have the right to choose between a refund or being rebooked on the next available flight to your destination.
Additional Entitlements
Besides compensation for being denied boarding, you're also entitled to the following:
Ask for Meals and Accommodation if Needed:
If you're facing a long wait or an overnight delay, the airline should cover meals and a hotel stay.
Save Receipts for Extra Expenses:
Keep any receipts for additional costs incurred due to being denied boarding. You might be able to claim these back.
Ask to use their services if needed:
You're entitled to 2 free calls, emails, or faxes.
Being denied boarding is frustrating, but knowing your rights can make the situation a bit easier to manage. Compensation rules are there to ensure that passengers are treated fairly and can help mitigate the inconvenience and additional costs. If you find yourself in this situation, remember these tips and don't forget to contact us if you need help to take action to claim what you're entitled to.