What to know about Involuntary Denied Boarding Compensation

In the event that an airline denies you boarding on your flight in Canada, EU or internationally, even when you are not at fault, having a firm grasp of your air passenger rights becomes instrumental in guiding your next steps. Understanding these rights empowers you with the knowledge necessary to navigate the situation effectively and make informed decisions regarding involuntary denied boarding compensation.

Check Compensation

Denied Boarding? Claim Your Compensation

All airlines

All countries

No Win, No Fee


How to Claim Compensation for Denied Boarding on EU Flights?

When faced with involuntary denied boarding on a flight within the EU, it's crucial to be aware of your rights under EU denied boarding regulation. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this situation effectively:

1. Do not volunteer to give up your seat in exchange for vouchers or perks.

If you do, you could be giving up your right to any additional compensation for involuntary denied boarding. Of course, if the airline makes a compelling enough offer, you may prefer to take it. The final decision is up to you.

2. Hold onto your boarding pass and any other travel documents.

If you don’t have your boarding pass, you can use any flight document with a booking reference number. This number is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline and is a six-digit code, which may include both letters and numbers.

3. Ask why you’re being denied boarding.

The most common reason is being “bumped” due to an overbooked flight, but there are other reasons you may be denied boarding, as well. This information is important down the line if you decide to file a claim for denied boarding compensation.

4. Request an alternate flight to your destination.

Or, if you prefer, you can request a refund of your fare and a return flight to your original point of departure, if necessary.

5. Request compensation for your boarding denial.

Provided you’re eligible, the airline should pay you immediately once you’ve been denied boarding for your flight. That’s in addition to offering you the re-routing or refund mentioned above.

6. Ask the airline to cover your meals and refreshments.

If you are forced to wait at the airport longer than planned, the airline is supposed to provide food and drinks to keep you comfortable. It’s not just good hospitality, in some cases it’s a requirement.

7. Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room.

If you’re being grounded overnight while waiting for an alternate flight to your destination, the airline should cover any reasonable costs for accommodations as well as transportation to and from the airport, if necessary.

8. Keep your receipts if your boarding denial ends up costing you extra money.

Whether it’s missing out on a pre-paid reservation, hotel, rental car, or other unexpected costs, passengers on international flights—even within the EU—may be able to recover expenses caused by travel disruptions.

9. See if your boarding denial is eligible for compensation.

Understanding and asserting your rights under the EU 261 denied boarding regulations is essential when faced with involuntary denied boarding. Being well-informed and prepared empowers you to claim the airline compensation for involuntary denied boarding and assistance you are entitled to under EU law.

Denied Boarding? Claim Your Compensation

All airlines

All countries

No Win, No Fee


How to Claim Compensation for Denied Boarding on Canada Flights?

When passengers traveling on domestic flights within Canada face the unfortunate circumstance of involuntary denied boarding due to overbooked flights, they have the right to claim denied boarding compensation. Here's a comprehensive guide on what steps to take in such situations:

1. Do Not Volunteer Your Seat.

Initially, refrain from volunteering to surrender your seat in exchange for vouchers or perks offered by the airline. While tempting, accepting such offers could forfeit your entitlement to additional compensation for denied boarding in Canada. Of course, if the airline presents an enticing proposal, the choice ultimately rests with you.

2. Keep Your Travel Documents Secure.

Ensure you retain your boarding pass and any other relevant travel documents. If, for any reason, you don't have your boarding pass, you can utilize any flight-related document containing a booking reference number. This unique six-digit code, comprising both letters and numbers, is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline.

3. Inquire About the Reason for Denied Boarding.

It's crucial to understand why you're being denied boarding. The most common cause is being "bumped" due to an overbooked flight, a situation for which the airline owes you compensation for involuntary denied boarding. However, there could be other reasons for denial that may not be eligible for compensation.

4. Request an Alternate Flight to Your Destination.

If your boarding is denied, promptly ask the airline for an alternative flight that will take you to your intended destination.

5. Seek Compensation for Denied Boarding.

Assuming you meet the eligibility criteria, it is your right to request compensation from the airline for denied boarding. In addition to offering you an alternative flight, the airline must provide financial compensation for the inconvenience you've experienced.

6. Determine Eligibility for Compensation.

Make sure to ascertain whether your specific denied boarding situation qualifies for compensation. Different scenarios may result in varying compensation amounts.

It's essential to note that, in all instances of denied boarding within the airline's control (except those necessary for safety), the airline is obligated to compensate passengers for inconvenience endured. The compensation amount for involuntary denied boarding is contingent on the extent of the delay in your arrival at the destination in comparison to the originally scheduled arrival time on your ticket. Specifically, airlines must provide:

  • $900 if your arrival is delayed by less than six hours.

  • $1,800 if your arrival is delayed by six hours or more but less than nine hours.

  • $2,400 if your arrival is delayed by nine hours or more.


How to Claim Compensation for Denied Boarding on International Flights?

When travelers find themselves facing involuntary denied boarding on international flights, they have the opportunity to seek compensation and reimbursement for their incurred expenses by following a straightforward process. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this situation effectively:

1. Do Not Volunteer Your Seat Unnecessarily.

As a first step, resist the urge to volunteer your seat in exchange for vouchers or perks offered by the airline. By volunteering, you might inadvertently waive your right to additional international denied boarding compensation, including reimbursement for your expenses. While enticing offers from the airline may arise, the final decision should always remain in your hands.

2. Safeguard Your Travel Documents.

Ensure you securely hold onto your boarding pass and any other relevant travel documents. In the event you do not possess your boarding pass, you can utilize any flight-related document containing a booking reference number. This unique six-digit code, comprising both letters and numbers, is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline.

3. Seek Clarity on the Reason for Denied Boarding.

It's essential to inquire why you're being denied boarding. While overbooking is the most prevalent cause, there could be other reasons for your denial. This information becomes crucial if you decide to pursue a claim against the airline for compensation for denied boarding.

4. Request an Alternate Flight to Your Destination.

Promptly ask the airline for an alternative flight that will take you to your intended international destination.

5. Retain Receipts for Incurred Expenses.

If your denied boarding results in additional expenses, such as missing out on pre-paid reservations, accommodation, rental cars, or unforeseen costs, make sure to keep all relevant receipts. These receipts will serve as evidence when seeking compensation for involuntary denied boarding for expenses resulting from your flight disruption.

6. In the pursuit of compensation for your inconvenience and expenses due to denied boarding on international flights, maintaining a well-documented paper trail is essential.

This evidence will play a pivotal role in guiding you towards the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Remember that international denied boarding compensation can vary depending on various factors, including the airline, the specific circumstances, and the applicable regulations. Therefore, being well-informed and prepared is key to ensuring you receive the compensation to which you are entitled

If your flight is overbooked or you’re denied boarding, don’t give up your reservation. You could be owed €250-€600 for your troubles.

AirHelp has been featured in:

Toronto Sun logoNational Post logoCTV News logoThe Globe and Mail logo

AirHelp is a part of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA) whose mission is to promote and protect passengers’ rights.

Imprint

Copyright © 2024 AirHelp

Check Compensation

All airlines