Denied Boarding (Overbooking)
| Published on 7 February 2006 - 3:01pm. |
Overbooking happens for two reasons:
- the airline deliberately accepts more reservations than seats expecting some passengers not to turn up
- the airline operates the flight with a smaller aircraft and fewer seats are available
The first situation tends to happen with "full service" airlines who sell a wide range of tickets including some fully flexible. The second can happen to any airline, including low cost carriers.
What Happens When the Flight is Overbooked?
When a flight is overbooked the airline will call for "volunteers" to fly at a later time or date. The airline will offer compensation which may be very attractive to some passengers. As a guide an airline may offer somewhere between £100 - £200 if you agree to take a later flight.
If there are not enough volunteers then the airline will be forced to choose passengers who cannot travel. If this happens to you, the airline must get you on to the next available flight, provide you with refreshments and pay you compensation.
Your Rights If You Volunteer
If you decide to accept the airline's offer of compensation and give up your seat, then you are entitled to the following, in addition to the compensation offered to you:
- a full refund with seven days if you decide not to travel, and a free flight to your original departure point if you are part way through your journey
- re-routing to your final destination as soon as possible. If you agree, the airline can also fly you at a later date.
If you accept an airline's offer of re-routing you will need to look after yourself until the time of the next flight. The airline is not obliged to offer you accommodation or refreshments, unless of course it has agreed to do so.
Your Rights If You Are Denied Boarding Against Your Will
Firstly, you have the same rights of refund or re-routing as if you had volunteered.
Secondly, the airline must look after you, providing meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation if appropriate.
Thirdly, the airline must pay you compensation immediately according to the table below:
| Total Distance of your Flight | How Late You Arrive | Amount of Compenstion |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1500km (930 miles) | Less than 2 hours | €125 |
| Up to 1500km (930 miles) | More than 2 hours | €250 |
| Between 1500km and 3500km (930 - 2200 miles) | Less than 3 hours | €200 |
| Between 1500km and 3500km (930 - 2200 miles) | More than 3 hours | €400 |
| Over 3500km (2200 miles) | Less than 4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3500km (2200 miles) | More than 4 hours | €600 |
The amount of compensation is given in Euros. A Euro is worth approximately £0.65 (be sure to check the current exchange rate).
Some airlines will offer a greater amount of compensation if you agree to accept vouchers for use at a later date with the airline. You may take this offer if you wish, but you are not obliged to.
