Denied Boarding by easyJet? How to Claim Up to £520 Compensation

easyJet runs one of the busiest short-haul networks in Europe, and like most low-cost airlines it sells more seats than some flights can hold, expecting a few passengers not to turn up. When everyone does, someone gets left behind. If that was you, the law is firmly on your side.

What counts as denied boarding?

You've been denied boarding if you had a confirmed booking, checked in on time and reached the gate in time, but easyJet refused to let you fly against your will. The most common cause is overbooking, but it also covers cases where your seat was given away after a swap to a smaller aircraft.

How much easyJet owes you

Denied boarding compensation is paid per passenger and depends on the distance of the flight:

• £220 for flights under 1,500km (for example, Gatwick to Amsterdam)
• £350 for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km (for example, Luton to Tenerife)
• £520 for flights over 3,500km

Unlike delay claims, you don't need to arrive 3 hours late. The right to compensation applies as soon as you're involuntarily bumped. It can be cut by 50% only if easyJet gets you to your destination on an alternative flight close to your original arrival time (within 2 hours for short flights, 3 hours for medium ones).

You also get a refund or a new flight

On top of compensation, easyJet must offer you a choice between a full refund or rerouting to your destination at the earliest opportunity. While you wait, it must provide meals and refreshments, and a hotel plus transfers if you're stuck overnight. Keep receipts for anything you pay for yourself.

Volunteering is different

If easyJet asks for volunteers to give up their seats, and you agree in exchange for vouchers or cash, you are usually not entitled to the full compensation as well. Before saying yes, check exactly what's being offered and compare it with the amounts above.

When easyJet can refuse to pay

easyJet doesn't have to pay if it refused boarding for a genuine reason, such as:

• You reached the gate after it closed, or missed the check-in deadline
• Your travel documents were missing or invalid
• Safety, security or health concerns
• Disruptive or drunk behaviour

If none of these apply and you were simply told the flight was full, that's overbooking and you're owed compensation. Our full guide to denied boarding compensation covers the rules in more detail.

What to do at the gate

• Ask for the reason in writing. Airlines must give you a written notice of your rights when you're denied boarding.
• Don't accept vouchers as a substitute unless you've genuinely chosen to volunteer.
• Take photos of your boarding pass, the departure board and the time you reached the gate.
• Note your actual arrival time on any replacement flight.

How far back can you claim?

You have 6 years to claim in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 5 years in Scotland. If your flight was cancelled rather than overbooked, see our guide to easyJet cancellation claims.

Start your claim

If easyJet refused to let you board, check your flight with Klaimly. We deal with easyJet for you and charge a flat 5% fee, only if we win, with no VAT added and nothing to pay upfront. easyJet pays your compensation directly to you.