Denied boarding
Denied boarding: can you claim?
If the airline kept you off the flight against your will, for example because it was overbooked, you can get €250 to €600 (£220 to £520), depending on distance. The airline must pay you immediately.
When you can claim
- The flight left the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or the UK on any airline; or came into the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland on an airline from the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland; or came into the EU on a UK airline (UK261 applies); or came into the UK on a UK or EU airline.
- You were kept off the flight against your will. If you volunteered to give up your seat, the benefits you agreed with the airline apply instead.
- You were not refused for health, safety, security or travel-document reasons. Extraordinary circumstances are no defence for denied boarding.
How much
- Up to 1,500 km: €250 (EU261) or £220 (UK261)
- 1,500 to 3,500 km, and flights within the EU over 1,500 km: €400 or £350
- Over 3,500 km: €600 or £520; €300 or £260 if you arrive 3 to 4 hours late
The airline can refuse if it proves the problem came from extraordinary circumstances it could not avoid, such as bad weather. Most technical faults and strikes by its own staff do not count.
How to claim
Send your claim to the airline first. We write the letter for free. If the airline says no, answer its excuse with the court ruling. If it still says no, or you hear nothing for 8 weeks (UK) or 2 months (EU), take it to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme, the UK CAA, or the national enforcement body.
Not legal advice. Sources: Regulation 261/2004, European Commission, UK CAA.
Rather not do it yourself?
No-win-no-fee companies send the claim and go to court if needed. They keep a share of the money when they win, so check their fee first.
We may earn a commission if you use these links. Claiming yourself is free and you keep 100%.