Overbooked flight?

What are my rights as an air passenger?

The vast majority of air passenger rights are regulated by the European Regulation No 261/2004 which aims to ensure a high level of protection for passengers. After entering into force on 14 February 2005, the regulation introduces basic protection for passengers when they find themselves in situations of being denied boarding against their will, cancellations without prior warning and long delays.

When is there an overbooking or denied boarding?

When an air carrier reasonably expects to deny boarding on a flight, it shall first call for volunteers to surrender their reservations in exchange for certain benefits under conditions to be discussed and agreed between the passenger concerned and the air carrier.

What is an involuntarily denied boarding under Regulation No 261/2004?

You are involuntarily denied boarding if your airline company refuses to allow you to board your flight even if you pose no safety, health or security risks to the air carrier concerned and you arrived at the airport with a confirmed reservation, the travel documentation, and sufficient time to complete check-in, security and boarding procedures.

What are my options following a denied boarding?

In case of involuntarily denied boarding, the air carrier shall offer you a choice between: re-routing under comparable transport conditions to final destination at earliest opportunity, re-routing to final destination at later date, or reimbursement within seven days.

Can I get compensation for the involuntarily denied boarding?

In case you choose to be re-routed soon after the denied boarding, the airline company must provide you with care and assistance whilst you are waiting on your alternative flight. Overbooking is legally comparable to cancelled flights and compensation applies.

Can I be reimbursed for expenses generated by the denied boarding?

In the event of denied boarding, the airline shall provide passengers with care and assistance. In accordance with Regulation No 261/2004, passengers shall be offered free of charge meals and refreshments as well as hotel accommodation and transport when necessary.

Why is it so hard to succeed alone?

Yes, your rights are guaranteed by the European Commission and all EU Member states, yet airlines may continue to stall for time and abuse the use of "extraordinary conditions" that can justify delays when they are in fact responsible for the issue.