Compensation if your flight is overbooked
Check your entitlement to compensation quickly and without obligation.
Your flight is booked, you pack your bags and stand at the airport ready for departure. The big shock: you are not allowed to fly. The reason: your flight has been overbooked. You know the problem?
If the airline has overbooked your flight, you are entitled to up to 600 euros in compensation under the EU Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2004.
When is there a right to compensation for overbooked flights?
Flight overbooking means that the airline has sold more seats than are available on the plane. Airlines use complex and detailed forecasting models to ensure that aircraft are optimally utilized. To solve the problem of flight overbooking, the airlines hope for volunteers who will give up their flight or agree to a rebooking on an alternative flight.
However, it can also happen that you are not promoted against your will. In both cases, you are entitled to compensation. With our help, you can claim what you are legally entitled to
Your rights in the event of overbooking
Your rights in the event of a flight overbooking or denied boarding are governed by the EU Passenger Rights Regulation. Depending on the flight distance traveled, you are entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person. This also applies if your replacement flight is delayed by at least 3 hours at your destination.
Depending on the waiting time, you are entitled to adequate care services such as food, drinks and communication facilities directly at your destination. The airline is also obliged to organize an alternative flight or another transfer, e.g. by train, or to reimburse your ticket costs. You are also entitled to compensation if the airline offers you vouchers, cash or flight points. The claim expires after three years.
Waiting times at the airport
If you have to wait a long time at the airport due to overbooking, you are entitled to assistance in the form of meals and communication facilities. The airline is obliged to provide you with these services. If the airline fails to do so, travelers can take care of themselves. It is important that you collect the receipts for the products purchased. If your flight has been postponed to the next day, you are entitled to an overnight stay in a hotel including a return trip to the airport.
Overbooking and business trips
The same rules apply to business travel as to private travel. If your plane arrives at its destination more than 3 hours late, travelers are entitled to a compensation payment. It should be noted that the private individual and not the company is entitled to this payment.
Tips on how to avoid overbooking a flight
Early check-in
You should check in at least 90 minutes before departure for flights within Europe and 2 hours before departure for international flights. A more relaxed alternative is to check in the evening before or check in online.
- Seat reservation
You have a good chance of being allowed to board a flight if your seat has been reserved in advance. With some airlines, however, this is associated with additional costs.
Priority Boarding
With priority boarding, you are allowed to board the gate or the aircraft first. This minimizes the chance of being left behind.
Use the frequent flyer bonus
Many airlines offer bonus miles and frequent flyer programs. If you fly more frequently with a particular airline, you will have a higher status there and therefore the likelihood of being left behind on the ground decreases.
Unattractive flight times
Use flight times that are unattractive. Examples of this are night flights or flights from Monday to Friday.
Frequently asked questions about compensation for overbooked flights
A flight has been overbooked if more seats have been sold than are available.
If your flight is overbooked, you are entitled to up to €600 in compensation. Passengers with a waiting time of two hours or more are entitled to care. The airline must provide passengers with food or accommodation if necessary. The airline is also obliged to provide a replacement flight.
If you overbook, you have enough stress. You don’t have to worry about getting your costs refunded afterwards. That’s what we’re here for. We shake up the airlines and, with the help of lawyers, claim the compensation payments to which you are entitled. We are there for you by phone and on site.