Denied boarding compensation

Being bumped from a flight - involuntary denied boarding - is one of the clearest EU261 / UK261 cases. Airlines must compensate when they deny boarding against your will, often due to overbooking, unless they can find volunteers first.

Volunteer vs involuntary

If you voluntarily accepted a deal to take a later flight, you negotiated that package - statutory fixed compensation may not apply on top. If you were involuntarily denied boarding, fixed amounts (€250 / €400 / €600) typically apply based on route distance.

Immediate rights at the airport

• Choice between rerouting or refund
• Meals, communications, and hotel if needed
• Cash compensation in many denied-boarding scenarios without a 3-hour delay threshold

Proof to keep

Gate agent documentation, denied-boarding form (if issued), boarding pass, and any written reason given. Airlines sometimes classify issues as “operational” - escalate using our claim guide.

Related situations

Downgraded without consent? See downgrade compensation. Flight cancelled instead? See cancelled flight rights. Estimate amounts with the calculator.