Denied Boarding Compensation: Bumped From an Overbooked Flight?
Airlines sell more seats than they have. If you were denied boarding on an overbooked flight, you are owed up to £520, and the airline has no excuse defence.
Airlines routinely sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane, betting that some passengers won't show up. When everyone does, someone gets bumped. If that someone was you, the law is unusually strongly on your side: denied boarding is the one disruption where airlines have no "extraordinary circumstances" defence at all.
Voluntary vs involuntary: the crucial difference
This is the single most important factor in a denied boarding claim:
- Involuntary: the airline refused to board you against your will. You are entitled to full UK261/EU261 compensation, no exceptions.
- Voluntary: you accepted the airline's offer to give up your seat in exchange for vouchers, cash, or perks. By volunteering, you generally waive your right to the fixed statutory compensation, whatever deal you struck at the gate is what you get.
If a gate agent pressured you, or you only "agreed" because the alternative was being stranded with no information, that may still count as involuntary. Don't assume you volunteered just because you eventually cooperated.
What you're owed if involuntarily denied boarding
- £220 for flights under 1,500km
- £350 for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km
- £520 for flights over 3,500km
Plus, separately, the airline must offer you a choice of a full refund or rerouting to your destination, and provide meals, communication, and accommodation if you're delayed overnight.
One condition: you must have been ready to fly
To qualify, you need to have had valid travel documents (passport or ID, valid booking) and checked in on time. If you missed the check-in deadline or turned up at the gate after it closed, denied boarding rules don't apply.
Rerouted to a different airport?
If the airline flew you into a different airport than you booked (for example Birmingham instead of Manchester), they must also cover the cost of getting you to your original destination. Keep receipts for trains, coaches, or taxis.
How to claim
Write to the airline stating you were involuntarily denied boarding, with your flight number, date, and booking reference. If they stall or claim you volunteered when you didn't, escalate to their ADR scheme, or let Klaimly fight it for you at a flat 5% fee, no win no fee. Our claim form asks the right questions about documentation and volunteering upfront, so your case is built correctly from the start.