Bumped by American Airlines From a UK Flight? You Could Be Owed £520

Airlines sell more seats than they have, expecting some passengers not to turn up. When everyone does, someone gets left behind. If that someone is you, on an American Airlines flight out of Heathrow, Manchester or Edinburgh, UK law is on your side, and the compensation is far more generous than most people expect.

Which American Airlines flights are covered?

American is a US airline, so UK261 only covers its flights that depart from a UK airport. Flights from the US to the UK operated by American aren't covered by UK261. If you were bumped on the way home, US rules apply instead. See our guide to American Airlines flights that UK261 doesn't cover.

How much you're owed

Every American Airlines flight from the UK to the US is over 3,500km, so denied boarding compensation is:

• £520 per passenger if the replacement flight gets you there more than 4 hours late
• £260 per passenger if it gets you there within 4 hours of your original arrival time

Unlike a delay claim, there is no need to wait and see. You're owed compensation at the gate, and American should offer it there and then, or in writing explaining how to claim.

Volunteering versus being bumped

Before refusing anyone boarding, American has to ask for volunteers. This difference matters:

• If you volunteer, you agree a deal with the airline, often miles, a voucher or a travel credit. Once you've accepted it, you usually can't claim the £520 as well
• If you're bumped against your will, you're entitled to the full compensation in cash, plus a refund or a new flight, plus meals and a hotel if needed

If the gate agent offers you a voucher, check its value against £520 in cash before you agree. Our guide to American Airlines miles and vouchers explains what to watch for.

When American can refuse you boarding without paying

Compensation isn't due if you were refused boarding for a valid reason, such as:

• Arriving at the gate after it closed, or not checking in on time
• Missing travel documents, or an ESTA or US visa that wasn't approved
• Health, safety or security reasons, including disruptive behaviour

"The flight was full" is not a valid reason. If you checked in on time with the right documents and were turned away because of overbooking, you can claim. Read more in our denied boarding guide.

Downgraded instead of bumped?

If American kept you on the flight but moved you from business or premium economy into a lower cabin, you're owed a partial refund of the ticket price instead. On a transatlantic flight that's 75% of the cost of that leg. See our guide to downgrade compensation.

What to do at the gate

• Don't volunteer unless you're happy with the deal on offer
• Ask for the reason in writing, and keep your boarding pass or booking confirmation
• Choose a refund or a new flight, and ask for meal vouchers and a hotel if you'll be waiting overnight
• Note the time you actually arrive on the replacement flight

Claim your compensation

If American Airlines bumped you from a UK flight, check your claim with Klaimly. We charge a flat 5% fee, only if we win, with no VAT added and nothing to pay upfront. American Airlines pays your compensation directly to you. For delays and cancellations, see our main guide to American Airlines UK261 compensation.