Denied Boarding Compensation: Up to EUR600 for Overbooking

If an airline denies you boarding against your will -- usually due to overbooking -- you are always entitled to EUR250-600 compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Unlike delays or cancellations, there is no 'extraordinary circumstances' exception for denied boarding.

Denied boarding compensation amounts

EU261 compensation table for denied boarding
Flight DistanceCompensationExample Route
Up to 1,500 km250 EURCologne - Amsterdam, Vienna - Prague
1.500 - 3.500 km400 EURFrankfurt - Athens, Berlin - Madrid
Over 3,500 km600 EURMunich - Singapore, Frankfurt - Tokyo

Strong claim: No exceptions

For involuntary denied boarding, the airline CANNOT invoke extraordinary circumstances. As long as you checked in on time and have valid travel documents, you are entitled to compensation.

4 steps to your compensation

  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Ensure you were involuntarily denied boarding, had a valid ticket, and arrived at the gate on time.

  2. 2

    Enter flight data

    Enter your flight number, date, and airports. We calculate the distance and compensation amount.

  3. 3

    Generate complaint letter

    Our AI creates a professional complaint letter with all EU261 references and your case details from EUR 10.

  4. 4

    Send to airline

    Download the letter as a PDF and send it to the airline. Denied boarding claims are particularly strong under EU261.

Requirements for your claim

You have a claim if:

  • You were involuntarily denied boarding (not voluntary)
  • You had a valid ticket and valid travel documents
  • You arrived at check-in and the gate on time
  • The flight departed from the EU or arrived in the EU on an EU airline

No claim if:

  • You voluntarily gave up your seat in exchange for benefits
  • You arrived too late for check-in or at the gate
  • Invalid or missing travel documents (passport, visa)
  • Safety or health reasons (e.g. disruptive behavior)

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is denied boarding?
Denied boarding occurs when an airline refuses to let you board against your will, even though you have a valid ticket, checked in on time, and arrived at the gate on time. The most common reason: the airline sold more tickets than seats available (overbooking).
Are there any exceptions to the compensation claim?
For involuntary denied boarding, there are virtually no exceptions -- unlike delays and cancellations, airlines CANNOT invoke extraordinary circumstances. The claim only fails if you were responsible (e.g. late at the gate, invalid travel documents).
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary bumping?
The airline must first ask for volunteers who will give up their seat in exchange for benefits (e.g. vouchers, rebooking). If not enough volunteers are found, passengers are involuntarily denied boarding -- and only then does the EU261 compensation claim apply.
What additional rights do I have when denied boarding?
In addition to compensation, you have the right to: choice between refund or rebooking, care and assistance (meals, drinks, hotel if needed), and communication (2 phone calls, emails).
Do I have to volunteer to give up my seat?
No, you do not have to volunteer. If the airline offers incentives (vouchers, upgrades, cash), you are free to decide. If you accept the voluntary offer, you lose the statutory EU261 compensation entitlement.
How much compensation am I entitled to?
Compensation depends on the flight distance: EUR250 for up to 1,500 km, EUR400 for 1,500-3,500 km, and EUR600 for over 3,500 km. Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the airline offers an alternative flight that gets you to your destination with minimal delay.

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