Passenger Rights

Overbooked Flight Compensation: Up to €600 Under EU261

Airlines can overbook flights, but if you were involuntarily denied boarding despite having a valid booking and arriving on time, fixed compensation and care rights may apply.

Check your flight Denied boarding guide

When overbooking can qualify for compensation

Overbooked flight compensation is usually treated as a denied boarding case. The key question is whether the airline refused boarding even though you had a valid booking, met check-in and gate deadlines, and did not volunteer to give up your seat.

Strong claim signals
  • You were denied boarding against your will.
  • You had a confirmed booking and arrived on time.
  • The airline could not seat you because the flight was overbooked.
  • Your rerouting caused a meaningful final arrival delay.
Needs caution
  • You volunteered for vouchers or a later flight.
  • You missed check-in, boarding, or document requirements.
  • The airline refused boarding for safety or immigration reasons.
  • You left without written proof of the refusal reason.

Voluntary vs involuntary bumping

If the airline asks for volunteers and you accept vouchers, miles, cash, or a later flight, your statutory compensation position can change. If you do not volunteer and the airline refuses boarding anyway, fixed compensation is more likely to be relevant.

Before accepting a voucher

Ask whether accepting the offer waives any compensation rights, and keep a screenshot or written copy of the offer before deciding.

What to do at the airport

  1. Ask for the reason in writing

    Get confirmation that you were refused boarding because of overbooking or seat availability.

  2. Keep proof you were ready to fly

    Save your boarding pass, booking reference, check-in confirmation, gate screenshots, and airline messages.

  3. Track rerouting and final arrival

    Compensation and care rights can depend on how late you reached the final destination.

  4. Separate vouchers from rights

    Do not assume a voucher replaces statutory compensation unless you clearly accepted that trade-off.

Partner options

Useful options after denied boarding

If you were bumped from a flight, these partner options can help with claim review, replacement flights, or travel protection.

Compensation

AirHelp

Passenger-rights claim service for travelers checking whether a delayed, cancelled, overbooked, or missed-connection flight may qualify for compensation.

Review claim option -> Flights

Aviasales

Flight search option for travelers comparing replacement flights or new travel plans after a disruption.

Compare flights -> Insurance

Ektatraveling

Travel insurance option for readers comparing protection for future trips, medical needs, or travel disruption planning.

View protection option ->

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Frequently asked questions

Is overbooking legal?
Airlines often overbook flights, but passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding can still have compensation, care, refund, or rerouting rights.
Can I claim if I accepted a voucher?
It depends on what you accepted. Voluntary agreements can change your position, so keep the exact offer wording and any confirmation screen.
What documents help most?
Boarding pass, booking confirmation, written denied boarding notice, voucher terms, rerouting details, final arrival time, and receipts for meals or hotel.

Were you bumped from a flight? Start with route, timing, and whether you volunteered or were refused boarding against your will.

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