Were you bumped off a flight because the airline double booked your seat?
Most airlines intentionally sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane. When all the passengers show up at the gate, some of them are denied boarding. If this happened to you, you are entitled to receive a compensation between 250 € and 600 €.
How much is your compensation?
| Flights 1,500 km or less | 250 € |
| Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km | 400 € |
| Flights over 3,500 km | 600 € |
Why do airlines overbook flights?
Overselling tickets is a common practise among airlines and all frequent flyers have experienced that at least once. You have packed your bag, checked-in and travel to the airport to find out that your are denied boarding. Why? Airlines oversell tickets for a number of reasons. They sell more tickets than available seats to keep the fare low, reduce losses or avoid empty seats.
Either ways, it is not illegal but it causes disruption to air passangers. For this reason, you are entitled to receive a compensation in the unfortunate case that you are bumped off from your flight, whether you are travelling for work or pleasure.
Getting the compensation, is not easy even if you are entitled to. First of all the EU 216/2004 (European Air Passenger Rights Regulation) covers only involuntary boarding denials. Airlines offer vouchers or compelling offers to convince passengers to give up their seats, and if you volunteer board on an alternate flight you lose your right to receive the compensation. If you are involuntarily denied boarding we can help to get your compensation. Even if you are entitled to, airlines make it very difficult and tedious to navigate through the process. We are committed to help air passengers and we know how it works! Contact us and claim your compensation!
What are your rights in case of overbooking?
VOLUNTEER TO NOT BOARD
Air passengers can volunteer to give up their seats and board on an alternative flight. airlines can make compelling offers, such as upgraded seats, even in business class. The final decision is up to you, but the EU 216 covers only involuntary boarding denials.
ALTERNATIVE FLIGHT
In case of denied boarding, airlines must offer an alternative flight to your original destination. Airlines should also pay for your expenses including food, drinks, hotel accommodation and hotel transfers.
TICKET REFUND
Air passengers are entitled to receive a denied boarding ticket refund immediately at the airport.
COMPENSATION According to the European Air Passenger Rights Regulation you are entitled to receive a compensations between 250-600 €, depending on the destination, and a refund of all the additional expenses related to the travel disruptions (e.g. hotel and transportation costs, rental cars etc.)