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Denied Boarding? Claim
upto €600 in Compensation today!

We deal with the airline, you get the compensation. Simple and stress free.

Table of Contents

  • Compensation for Denied Boarding
  • Voluntary vs. Involuntary Denied Boarding
  • Insights on Denied Boarding Compensation
  • What Rights Do I Have If I Am Denied Boarding?
  • When Can I Receive Denied Boarding Compensation?
  • What Should I Do If I Am Denied Boarding?
  • Refund or Rebooking: What Airlines Owe You
  • EU261 Entitlements When Airlines Refuse BoardingHow Long Are Denied Boarding Claims Valid?
  • How Long Are Denied Boarding Claims Valid?
  • Don’t Miss Out : For Denied Boarding Claim

Compensation for Denied Boarding

Denied boarding often occurs when airlines overbook flights and refuse passengers even when they have valid tickets and arrived on time at the gate.

Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, if you are denied boarding against your will, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation, plus care and assistance. This applies to both business and leisure travel — regardless of who paid for the ticket.

Airlines must:
  • Inform you of your passenger rights.
  • Provide a refund or re-routing to your destination.
  • Offer meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation when needed.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Denied Boarding

Understanding whether your denied boarding was voluntary or involuntary determines your compensation rights under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

Type of Denied Boarding
  • Voluntary Denied Boarding
  • Involuntary Denied Boarding
What It Means
  • The airline asks for volunteers to give up seats in exchange for perks (vouchers, upgrades, or travel credits). The passenger agrees willingly.
  • The airline refuses boarding against the passenger’s will even with a valid ticket, timely check-in, and compliance with all requirements.
Your Rights Under EU261
  • Passengers usually waive EU261 compensation rights.
    Benefits depend only on airline offer (voucher / rebooking).
  • Entitled to €250–€600 compensation based on flight distance.
    Refund or alternative flight required.
    Care: meals, drinks, hotel if needed.
    Applies to connecting flights as well.
Key Takeaway
  • If you volunteer, your rights are limited to what the airline offers.
  • If you are denied boarding against your will, you may claim up to €600 in compensation plus care and re-routing.

Check your claim eligibility quickly

Insights on Denied Boarding Compensation

  • Denied boarding most often occurs due to overbooking.
  • Compensation varies depending on flight distance and delay at arrival.
  • Passengers must always be informed of their rights in writing.
  • Airlines are obligated to provide alternative transport or a refund.
  • Compensation can be as high as €600 per passenger.
  • Connecting flights are also covered under EU261.
  • Compensation may be reduced if re-routing causes only a short delay.
  • Passengers typically have up to 6 years to submit a claim (depending on national law).

What Rights Do I Have If I Am Denied Boarding?

  • Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers denied boarding against their will are entitled to compensation.
  • Compensation between €250 and €600, depending on flight distance.
  • Immediate care, including free snacks and drinks at the airport.
  • A choice between a ticket refund or an alternative flight to your destination.
  • Rights apply regardless of ticket cost — budget airlines included.

When Can I Receive Denied Boarding Compensation?

Since 2004, EU law has guaranteed compensation for passengers denied boarding due to overbooking. Key points include:

  • Compensation amount is based on flight distance, not ticket cost.
  • Claims can usually be made up to 3 years after the incident (varies by country).
  • Business trips, package holidays, and low-cost flights are all covered under EU261.
  • The flight must depart from an EU airport or land in the EU on an EU-based airline.

Compensation Amounts by Distance

  • Flights up to 1,500 km → €250 compensation
  • Flights 1,500 – 3,500 km → €400 compensation
  • Flights over 3,500 km → €600 compensation

👉 Don’t stay behind when it comes to your rights — check your eligibility in 2 minutes.

What Should I Do If I Am Denied Boarding?

If you are denied boarding, follow these steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving compensation:

  • Request a written explanation from the airline confirming the reason (typically overbooking).
  • Keep all receipts and supporting documents such as vouchers, meal receipts, and hotel invoices.
  • Claim your immediate entitlements at the airport including food, drinks, and accommodation if required.
  • Check your eligibility for compensation of up to €600 under EU law.

Refund or Rebooking: What Airlines Owe You

If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you have the right to choose the option that suits you best:

  • Full reimbursement of your ticket.
  • Alternative transportation to your final destination as soon as possible.
  • If no replacement flight is offered, you may book your own travel and claim reimbursement from the airline.
  • In every case, you still retain the right to compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

EU261 Entitlements When Airlines Refuse Boarding

When an airline overbooks and refuses passengers, travelers may claim €250–€600 in compensation depending on flight distance. In addition, airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation.

To qualify, the following conditions must be met:

  • You checked in on time (usually at least 45 minutes before departure).
  • The flight disruption occurred within the last 3 years (time limits vary by country).
  • Your flight departed from the EU (any airline) or landed in the EU with an EU-based airline.
  • You had a valid booking and ticket.
  • The booking type does not matter — single ticket, package holiday, or business travel.

How Long Are Denied Boarding Claims Valid?

The time limit to file a claim depends on the national law of the country where the claim is submitted.

  • In Germany, claims are valid for 3 years after the flight.
  • In other EU countries, the limit may range from 2 to 6 years.
  • This means even if your denied boarding incident happened years ago, you may still be eligible for compensation.
  • Always check claim deadlines based on the country handling your case.

Don’t Miss Out : For Denied Boarding Claim

  • Claims apply whether you booked a business trip, holiday package, or budget airline ticket.
  • You must have checked in on time and had a valid booking.
  • Rights apply if your flight departed from the EU or landed in the EU with an EU-based airline.
  • Even if you accepted snacks, vouchers, or a hotel stay, you can still claim cash compensation.