Overbooking & denied boarding
Denied boarding compensation when you're bumped
If you were refused boarding against your will (usually overbooking) and held a confirmed seat, EU 261 sets fixed compensation — often higher urgency than a simple delay.
- Involuntary bump = cash claim
- Up to €600 per passenger
- Plus rebooking or refund
Trustpilot
4.8/5
Eligibility
When denied boarding pays out
Volunteers who accept vouchers are different from passengers refused boarding involuntarily.
- You had a confirmed reservation and presented yourself on time at check-in/boarding.
- Boarding was refused against your will (not a voluntary give-up for a voucher you accepted).
- The flight is covered by EU 261.
- The airline did not prove a valid safety or security reason uniquely about you.
- You can document the bump — boarding pass, denial email, or airline confirmation helps.
Payout amounts
Denied boarding compensation bands
Same €250 / €400 / €600 distance grid as other EU 261 disruptions.
€250 — up to 1,500 km
Short-haul involuntary denied boarding.
€400 — 1,500 to 3,500 km
Medium-haul bumps under EU 261.
€600 — over 3,500 km
Long-haul denied boarding — often the full €600.
How we claim
After you're refused boarding
Ask the airline for written confirmation at the gate if you can — then file with us.
Capture proof
Photos of screens, denial notes and rebooking docs strengthen the file.
File the claim
Two minutes online — we classify voluntary vs involuntary boarding denial.
We pursue the airline
Overbooking is rarely an extraordinary circumstance.
Collect payout
Success fee only if compensation is recovered.
FAQ
Denied boarding FAQ
Overbooking questions we hear every week.
Related guides
Your flight was disrupted. Your money is still waiting.
Check your flight in under two minutes. If it qualifies, we take it from there and you only pay when the airline pays you.