Overbooked Flight
and Compensation Eligibility
Overbooking is when an airline sells more tickets on the plane than there are seats, as they want to maximise their profit and last-minute cancellations cost the airline money. Therefore, you may come to your gate only to find out you have been bumped from the flight even though you were on time. Do not worry, though, as you may be entitled to compensation up to 600 € for issues on average up to 3 years back.
Your Rights Under EC 261
The EC 261 Regulation establishes the rights of passengers when faced with flight disruptions. If your flight issue falls under the regulation, you may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 €.
Eligibility for Compensation
If you were denied boarding due to overbooking, you might be entitled to compensation if the following criteria is met:
The flight is departing from an EU airport or arriving at an EU airport on an EU-based airline.
You did not voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for vouchers or other benefits.
You were not denied boarding for a reason under your control (e.g., you showed up late at the departure gate, or did not have the correct documentation).
You have not already accepted any compensation for overbooking from the airline (cash or travel vouchers).
The flight issue happened not more than 3 years ago (in some cases, the eligibility period may differ).
Distance and Time matters
The amount of compensation for overbooking is determined by the distance of the flight:
Up to 1 500 km
250 € *
1 500 km - 3 500 km
400 € *
More than 3 500 km
600 € *
* The amount of compensation estimated to be paid by the airline as stated in EC 261, before deducting our Service Fee
While your ticket might have been cheap, the price does not affect the amount of compensation you might be entitled to. Even if your ticket cost only 20 €, you might still get up to 600 €, on average up to 3 years back.
Right for reimbursement or rebooking
Regardless of the distance of the flight, passengers are entitled to:
A full or partial refund of your original ticket and a return flight to your initial point of departure.
The earliest available alternative transportation to reach your final destination.
A new ticket to your final destination at a later date of your choosing, based on availability.
If the airline offers you an upgrade to a higher class on your rebooked flight, you can accept it without being charged any additional payment. In case you are involuntarily downgraded to a lower class than your original ticket, you may request a refund of the price difference between the original ticket and the downgraded ticket.
Overbooking vs. Denied Boarding
Overbooking differs from when you're denied boarding due to reasons under your control. If you were denied boarding due to these reasons, you don't have right to compensation under EC 261:
You showed up late to the gate of your departure
You don't have the necessary travel documents, visas or identification etc.
You display inappropriate or dangerous behaviour that poses a threat to the safety of other passengers.
Your medical condition poses a risk during the flight (e.g. advanced state of pregnancy, serious health issue).
In case of an overbooked flight, the airline might ask volunteers to give up their seats and travel on a later flight. If you voluntarily surrender your seat in exchange for a travel voucher, refund, an alternate flight or other benefits, you also lose your right to compensation for overbooking under EC 261.
Right to Care and Assistance
Regardless of the distance of the flight, passengers are entitled to:
Meals and refreshments
Food or drink (or a voucher) after 2 hours.
Accommodation
In case of an overnight stay, airline must provide a hotel.
Access to communication
Phone call or an email provided by the airline.
Transportation
Transport to and from the airport or hotel.
If you were denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, you are still entitled to care and assistance as mentioned above or a refund of such expenses in case you had to pay for them yourself. Use Flywize online form to submit your Expenses Refund claim.
Claim up to 600 € for an overbooked flight now.
What should I do in case of an Overbooked Flight?
If you were bumped from your flight due to overbooking,
don't worry - we can help you enforce your rights!
1
Do not voluntarily give up your seat
If the airline offers you a travel voucher, refund, an alternate flight or other benefits, consider the offer wisely as you lose your right to compensation for overbooking under EC 261.
2
Ask why you're not allowed to board
Request information about the reason why you were denied boarding and make sure you have documented this information as it will be crucial for claiming compensation.
3
Request an alternate flight to your destination
In case of overbooking, the airline is responsible for providing a new flight or an alternate transport to your final destination.
4
Ask the airline about meal and refreshments and a hotel
In case you have to wait for your alternate flight, ask the airline if they cover meals and drinks expenses or a hotel if you have to wait overnight. If not, make sure to keep your receipts and request a refund of expenses later.
5
Keep all your documentation
Make sure to hold onto your boarding pass, your booking number and any food, hotel or other receipts while you wait for your alternate flight. Your flight information is necessary for claiming your compensation.
6
Request compensation for overbooking
In EÚ, the regulation states that the airline should pay your compensation immediately at the airport. In case they are not willing to do so, no worries - we can help you claim it afterwards. Fill out our quick online form and we'll take care of it!
Questions about Overbooking?
Check our our FAQs
Overbooking is a common airline practice where more tickets are sold than there are available seats on a flight. Airlines anticipate that some passengers may not show up, but if more passengers arrive, they might be bumped from their flight.
If your flight is overbooked, the airline may ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for a new flight and a travel voucher or cash. If you don't agree to give up your seat voluntarily, you may be eligible for compensation on top of an alternate flight to your final destination.
No, by voluntarily giving up your seat you lose your right to compensation under EC 261.
If you accept a travel voucher offered by the airline for overbooking, you lose your right to compensation under EC 261. We advise to choose wisely, as statistics show that 40% of passengers who accept a travel voucher are undercompensated compared to the amount of compensation they could be entitled to.
Denied boarding occurs when passengers are prevented from boarding a flight, either voluntarily or involuntarily. It can happen due to overbooking, operational issues or other reasons. If you were denied boarding due to reasons under your control such as inappropriate behaviour, late arrival to the gate, lack of proper documentation or safety or health concerns, you don't have right to compensation under EC 261.
Reasons for being denied boarding under your control include security concerns, voluntary bumping, late arrival to the gate, lack of proper documentation, dangerous or inappropriate behaviour and medical conditions.
If you are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261 up to 600 €, rebooking on the next available flight, and assistance with meals and accommodations if necessary.
Compensation amounts under EC 261 vary based on the flight distance:
250 € for flights up to 1,500 kilometres
400 € for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres
600 € for flights over 3,500 kilometres
Contact the airline directly at the airport to inquire about compensation. Make sure to keep all documentation including your boarding pass and any proof of overbooking. You can seek assistance from specialised services such as Flywize to ensure you receive fair treatment and compensation as per EC 261 regulations.