Denied boarding compensation
If you were involuntarily denied boarding — often due to overbooking — you may be owed compensation.
Involuntary denied boarding, frequently caused by overbooking, can entitle you to compensation. Voluntarily giving up your seat is treated differently, and issues such as missing travel documents are reviewed case by case.
When you may be eligible
- You were denied boarding involuntarily (you did not volunteer your seat).
- You arrived and checked in on time.
- You held a valid booking and travel documents.
- The route is covered by an applicable regulation.
What to do
- Ask the airline for the reason in writing where possible.
- Keep any vouchers or benefits offered — accepting some may affect your rights.
- Check your flight for free to assess eligibility.
Compensation depends on the applicable passenger-rights regulation, route, flight distance, delay at your final destination, cancellation notice, operating airline, cause of disruption, and supporting evidence. The amounts shown are illustrative and are not a guarantee.