Airline Involuntary Denied Boarding Compensation in the US, EU and International Flights

Suppose the airline refuses to allow you to board your scheduled flight, especially in cases where you are not at fault. In that case, you must be informed about your entitlement to denied boarding compensation as per air passenger rights. This knowledge will empower you with the information to navigate the situation effectively and make informed decisions on your next steps so you can claim involuntary denied boarding compensation from airlines.

If you've ever faced the frustrating situation of being denied boarding on a flight, whether due to overbooking or other reasons, you'll want to be well-informed about your rights and entitlements to involuntary denied boarding compensation. But why is it important to know your rights on flights protected by European law?

No matter where you live, if you’re flying from a European airport, or flying into Europe on a European airline, you can claim flight cancellation compensation under EC 261. This law can also protect the rights of US passengers, for example:

• Flights from Europe to the United States

• Flights departing from US airports to Europe, operated by European airlines

In the following guide, we will explore how to claim denied boarding compensation and what steps you can take to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Much Is the Denied Boarding Compensation for EU Flights?

Getting compensation for denied boarding isn’t the whole story: it’s also important to understand the amount of compensation. This is determined by two critical factors:

• Travel Distance: The distance of your trip is a key factor in determining if you are eligible for airline compensation.

• Flight Location: Whether your flight falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union (EU) is another factor that influences compensation for overbooked flights.

To make things easier, we’ve created a table that explains what you’re entitled to based on the details of your flight:

When travelers on US domestic flights encounter the frustrating scenario of being "bumped" due to an overbooked flight, it's essential to understand that they may have the right to domestic denied boarding compensation. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation:

For those seeking more detailed information about domestic denied boarding compensation and a deeper understanding of your air passenger rights in such situations, we invite you to contact us. Understanding your rights is the first step toward ensuring a smoother travel experience in the face of denied boarding incidents on US domestic flights.

How Much Is the Denied Boarding Compensation for US Flights?

The denied boarding compensation hinges on two factors:

• Length of the delay, if you opt for re-routing on an alternative flight

• Whether the flight is domestic or international

For domestic flights, compensation for denied boarding is 200% of the one-way fare up to $775 for delays of 1-2 hours, and 400% up to $1,550 for delays over 2 hours. For international flights, compensation is 200% of the one-way fare up to $775 for delays of 1-4 hours, and 400% up to $1,550 for delays over 4 hours.

The specific amounts are detailed in the following table:

Passengers traveling on international flights have the opportunity to seek reimbursement for incurred expenses or compensation resulting from denied boarding incidents by following a set of guidelines. Here's a comprehensive guide for passengers in such situations seeking to claim involuntary denied boarding compensation:

For individuals seeking for understanding of international denied boarding compensation and a comprehensive grasp of their air passenger rights in such scenarios, we invite you to contact us. Equipping yourself with knowledge about your rights is an essential stride toward ensuring a seamless travel experience, even when confronted with denied boarding incidents during international flights.

What Does Denied Boarding Mean?

​Denied boarding occurs when a passenger is not allowed to board a flight despite having a valid ticket and arriving on time. This usually happens due to overbooking or other operational reasons.

Can Airlines Deny Boarding?

​Yes, airlines can deny boarding, especially in cases of overbooking or operational issues. Passengers denied boarding are often entitled to compensation and assistance as regulated by law.

What Is Involuntary Denied Boarding?

Involuntary denied boarding happens when passengers are not allowed to board against their will, usually due to overbooking. Affected passengers are entitled to compensation and benefits as per regulatory guidelines.

How to Claim Compensation for Denied Boarding?

​To claim compensation for denied boarding, you can contact the airline's customer service or fill out a compensation claim form on their website. In this case, you will need to handle the entire process yourself. Alternatively, submit your claim with AirHelp: we manage the entire process for you, including documentation and negotiations with the airline. With the guarantee of having expert professionals, AirHelp will not charge you anything if your case is not successful: no win, no fee.