Denied boarding? Know your compensation rights

Nov 27 2024 MFR travel team

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting to the airport, checking in, and heading to your gate—only to find out you’re not getting on the plane. Denied boarding can catch even the most organized traveler off guard, especially if you've done everything right. Whether it’s due to overbooking or a last-minute operational hiccup, being told you can’t board is stressful. But there’s a silver lining: in many cases, you may be eligible for compensation.

If you’ve ever wondered why airlines deny boarding, what your rights are and how you can get compensated, this guide will break it all down for you.

Why are passengers denied boarding?

Most of the time, denied boarding happens because airlines overbook flights. They assume that not every passenger will show up, so they sell more tickets than there are seats. But sometimes, everyone shows up—and some unlucky passengers are left without a spot. Beyond overbooking, there are other reasons this might happen, such as:

• Plane changes: Sometimes an airline swaps a larger plane for a smaller one, which means fewer seats available.
• Operational issues: Unexpected maintenance or staffing issues can also lead to a seat shortage.
• Travel documents: If there’s an issue with your travel documentation, you might be denied boarding (although in this case, compensation usually doesn’t apply).

Knowing why denied boarding happens can help you understand your rights and respond more effectively if it does.

Your rights: EU261 Regulation

European passengers are in luck because the EU261 regulation protects your rights in cases like these. Here’s what it means for you if you’re denied boarding involuntarily on a flight departing from an EU airport or operated by an EU-based airline:

1. Immediate assistance: The airline must cover your basic needs, like food and drinks if you’re waiting for another flight. They should also help you stay connected by covering phone calls or emails. And if you need to stay overnight, they must cover your hotel and transportation to and from the airport.
2. Rebooking or refund: The airline should offer you a choice between a new flight to your destination or a full ticket refund. If there are no suitable flights, you can even request to be rebooked on a different airline.
3. Compensation: Here’s the good part! You’re usually entitled to additional cash compensation based on the flight distance:

• 250 € for flights up to 1,500 km.
• 400 € for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
• 600 € for flights over 3,500 km.

This compensation applies to flights within the EU and international flights departing from the EU or operated by an EU airline. One thing to note: if the airline finds you an alternative flight that arrives within a few hours of your original arrival time, they can reduce the compensation by half.

How to claim compensation for denied boarding

If you find yourself in this situation, here’s a simple roadmap to help you claim what’s yours:

1. Get a statement from the airline: Politely ask the airline to confirm the reason for the denied boarding in writing. This documentation could be important for your claim.
2. Hold onto your travel documents: Keep all your tickets, boarding passes, and any receipts for expenses you’ve had to cover (like food or hotel) due to the delay.
3. Check for on-the-spot compensation: Some airlines might offer compensation immediately, often in the form of vouchers. Just remember, you don’t have to accept a voucher if you’d prefer cash—airlines must provide cash compensation upon request.
4. Submit your claim: Most airlines have online claim forms where you can submit your request for compensation. Be sure to attach all necessary documentation.
5. Ask for help if needed: If your claim hits a wall, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Companies like MyFlyRight can take over the process for you and handle the details so you don’t have to.

Tips to avoid being denied boarding

While you can’t always avoid this situation, here are a few tips to help reduce the chances:

• Check-in early: Being one of the first to check in can improve your chances of securing a seat, especially on overbooked flights.
• Sign up for loyalty programs: Frequent flyers often get priority, so being part of the airline’s loyalty program might work in your favor.
• Avoid heavily booked routes: If possible, avoid peak travel days or heavily booked flights, as these tend to have a higher chance of overbooking.

How MYFLYRIGHT can help

Being denied boarding can really put a damper on your travel plans. Turn a day into a real headache. If you're not keen, on dealing with all the paperwork and negotiations by yourself in situations MYFLYRIGHT is there to lend a helping hand. We specialize in passenger rights and handle the entire claim process, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Working on a "no win, no fee" basis, we only get paid when you do, which means you can confidently pursue your compensation without any upfront costs. With MYFLYRIGHT on your side, you’re in good hands.

Denied boarding is never pleasant, but knowing your rights and options can make it easier to manage. EU261 provides strong protections for European travelers, meaning that if you’re denied boarding involuntarily, compensation could be just a claim away. And if the process feels overwhelming, remember that MYFLYRIGHT is here to simplify things, helping you get the compensation you deserve.