What is the compensation for overbooking a flight?

Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking: Your Rights and Compensation in the UK

Airline overbooking is a frustrating reality for many travellers. While airlines aim to maximize their profit by selling more tickets than available seats, the risk of being bumped from a flight falls squarely on the passenger. However, if you’re denied boarding due to overbooking on a flight departing from the UK, you’re not without recourse. Thanks to EU Regulation 261/2004 (which still applies in the UK post-Brexit), you may be entitled to significant compensation.

The key to understanding your entitlement is the distance of your flight. EU261/2004 establishes a tiered system based on flight length:

• Flights under 1500km: If denied boarding involuntarily (meaning you were not offered alternative arrangements you accepted), you are entitled to compensation equivalent to 250% of the one-way ticket price up to a maximum of €250.

• Flights between 1500km and 3500km within the EU: The compensation increases to 400% of the one-way ticket price, with a maximum of €400.

• Flights over 3500km: Compensation jumps to 600% of the one-way ticket price, with a maximum of €600.

• Flights over 3500km outside the EU: This category also results in compensation of 600% of the one-way ticket price, with a maximum of €600. However, the flight length is measured as the distance between the departure and arrival airports regardless of intermediate stops.

It’s crucial to note that these are minimum compensation amounts. The airline might offer additional assistance, such as re-routing on a later flight with comparable service, providing accommodation and meals, and covering transportation costs. However, these additional provisions do not negate your right to the compensation outlined above.

What if the airline offers you a voluntary upgrade or alternative flight? If you willingly accept an alternative flight arrangement that is acceptable to you, you will not be entitled to compensation under EU261. The key difference is whether the denial of boarding was imposed on you involuntarily.

Claiming your compensation: To make a claim, gather all relevant documentation, including your flight ticket, boarding pass (or evidence of denied boarding), and any communication with the airline. You can initially contact the airline directly, but if your claim is denied or you are unsatisfied with their response, you may need to pursue your case through alternative dispute resolution or even through the courts.

Successfully claiming compensation for overbooking can be challenging, but understanding your rights under EU261/2004 gives you a powerful starting point. Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you encounter difficulties navigating the process. Your time, inconvenience, and the frustration of a disrupted journey deserve to be recognised.