Are airlines allowed to overbook in Europe?

Overbooking in European Air Travel: An Overview

Overbooking is a practice employed by airlines to maximize revenue and ensure optimal aircraft utilization. It involves selling more tickets than there are available seats on a flight, with the expectation that some passengers will not show up.

In Europe, overbooking is permitted under strict regulations established by the European Union (EU) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These regulations seek to balance the interests of airlines and passengers, ensuring that overbooking is used responsibly and does not result in passenger inconvenience or denial of boarding.

Legality and Considerations

European air travel regulations allow airlines to overbook flights, but they impose several important conditions:

• Airlines must have a valid reason for overbooking, such as to accommodate passengers from canceled or delayed flights.
• Airlines must provide clear information to passengers about the possibility of overbooking and the potential consequences.
• Airlines must compensate passengers who are denied boarding due to overbooking, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the EU.

It’s important to note that not all passengers who hold a ticket are guaranteed a seat on the flight. In the event of overbooking, airlines will prioritize passengers based on factors such as their loyalty status, fare class, and check-in time.

Passenger Rights and Compensation

In cases where passengers are denied boarding due to overbooking, they are entitled to certain rights and compensation, as defined by the EU Passenger Rights Regulation:

• Passengers are entitled to reimbursement of the full ticket price or rebooking on an alternative flight.
• Passengers are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay caused by the overbooking.

Conclusion

Overbooking is a common practice in European air travel. While it is permitted by law, airlines must adhere to strict regulations and provide passengers with clear information and adequate compensation in the event of overbooking-related issues. Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure their rights are protected and to minimize potential inconvenience caused by overbooking.