Being denied the right to board an airline you’ve booked is a situation nobody would ever want to find themselves in. Being denied boarding could mean that you miss your important business meeting or a vacation you’ve been planning for months.
However, if the airline has stopped you from boarding your flight, you’re eligible to claim compensation under EU261. This is European Regulation No. 261/2004, which governs your rights to compensation or assistance in case of cancelled flights, denied boarding, or long delays.
In this guide, we tell you all about your rights should you be denied boarding, so you can be fairly compensated under the terms of EU261.
Passenger Rights in Case of Denied Boarding
Getting denied to board the plane is never good news. Luckily, there are passenger rights created to protect you in such situations. According to the EU 261 Regulation, passengers who were denied boarding have the following rights:
- Right to Compensation: If you are denied boarding, you can be entitled to financial compensation of up to 600 euros.
- Alternative Flight: The airline company must offer you an alternative flight to your final destination.
- Right to Care: The airline must provide food and refreshments, two phone calls, or a fax. In addition, if you are forced to stay overnight, the airline must arrange for your hotel accommodation and transfer to/from the hotel.
- Refund: You also have a right to choose a full refund for the ticket if you do not wish to use an alternative flight.
When Are You Entitled to Denied Boarding Compensation
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, a passenger must meet certain criteria to receive compensation for denied boarding. Below are the main conditions that must be met to receive compensation.
- You were involuntarily denied boarding
- You checked in for your flight on time, which is usually 45 minutes before departure.
- The flight you were denied boarding on wasn’t more than 3 years ago.
- Your flight departed from the EU (this can be any airline) or landed in the EU (these must be airlines based in the EU).
- You have a valid ticket and booking confirmation.
You must note here that your booking type (single, business trip, or even a vacation) has no bearing on your right to compensation if the conditions mentioned above are met.
Denied Boarding Compensation
In case of denied boarding, passengers have the right to claim compensation from the airline. According to the EU Regulation 261/2004, the amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and varies from 250 to 600 euros. Below is a table showing the amount of compensation:
| Distance | Compensation |
| All flights 1500 km or less. | 250€ |
| Internal EU flights over 1500 km | 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights between 1500-3500 km | 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights over 3500 km | 600€ |
Which Flights Does EU261 Cover?
The EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all flights departing from an airport in the European Union. It also applies to all flights arriving at an airport in the European Union, if the flight is operated by the EU-based airline. Additionally, the regulation applies to airline companies from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Check out the table below:
| Itinerary | EU air carrier | Non-EU air carrier |
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
How to Claim Denied Boarding Compensation
In the event of a denied boarding, it is important to follow the correct claim process. The process of filing a claim may seem complicated, but a proper understanding of the main steps will help you to effectively file a request and receive the compensation you deserve.
To file a claim for compensation, please follow these steps:
- Fill in the form: When filling out the form, it is important to provide all the details related to your problem (date, flight number, contact information, etc.), as well as attach the necessary documents.
- Get assistance from our specialists: Once you finish filling out the form, one of our experts will get down to processing your request. From our side, we guarantee that every employee is keen on the EU laws and will do everything possible to help you receive your compensation. The good news is that you don’t have to pay anything until we win your case.
To be entitled to denied boarding compensation boarding, make sure your flight wasn’t more than 3 years ago. If you have experienced boarding denial, cancellation, or denial in recent years, it is always crucial to check if you are still entitled to reimbursement and how much money you can get.
Yes, in this case, the airline company can deny you boarding. The thing is that airlines are strict about boarding times. So, if you are not at the gate in time, they can easily give your seat to some other passenger. That is why, ensure, you have enough time to check in, clear security, and arrive at your gate before boarding time.
Involuntary denied boarding occurs when an airline refuses to allow a passenger to board a flight, even though the passenger has a valid ticket and has checked in. This typically happens when there are more passengers than available seats on the flight (overbooking), or when the airline needs to prioritize certain passengers due to operational reasons, such as delays, cancellations, or safety concerns.
In such cases, passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding are entitled to compensation, according to EU Regulation 261/2004.
Voluntary denied boarding occurs when a passenger willingly gives up their seat on a flight, usually in exchange for compensation or incentives offered by the airline. This often happens when a flight is overbooked, and the airline seeks volunteers who are willing to take a later flight.
Yes, it can under certain circumstances. So, it is possible if the flight is overbooked, the airline company needs to accommodate crew members or has to apply changes due to unpredictable circumstances (for instance, a connecting flight delay or cancellation). Nevertheless, the airline still must follow specific rules and procedures when denying boarding (for instance, providing compensation or alternative flights for affected passengers).
Yes, there can be some differences. The specific rules and regulations that apply to such cases vary depending on the country/region from which the flight departs and applicable laws. Importantly, international flights may also be covered by additional regulations and requirements, for example, provided for by international treaties and agreements. Considering this, you must always check your ticket’s T&S and contact the airline company to learn what are your rights and options when you are denied boarding on a domestic/international flight.