Air passenger rights:

  • Passenger rights in case of denied boarding
  • What to do if you were denied boarding?
  • When are you entitled to compensation for denied boarding?
  • When are you not entitled to compensation for denied boarding?
  • How to submit a compensation claim?
  • Amount of compensation claim

Compensation for denied boarding

What Can You Do If You Are Denied Boarding?

Imagine this: you have your boarding pass in hand, ready to depart, but at the gate you’re told you cannot board the plane. In such a situation, it’s essential to know your rights, as you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 for denied boarding.

When Are You Entitled to Compensation for Denied Boarding?

If you did not voluntarily give up your seat, and the airline fails to offer an alternative flight within two hours of the original departure time, you may be eligible for compensation. The amount depends on the flight distance and can reach up to €600.

Types of Denied Boarding

Voluntary Denial

In some cases, due to overbooking, the airline may offer incentives (vouchers, travel credits, accommodation) for passengers who voluntarily give up their seats. If you accept such an offer, you are not entitled to monetary compensation.

Involuntary Denial

If you have a valid booking, arrive at the gate on time with all required travel documents, and are still denied boarding, this is considered involuntary denied boarding — most commonly due to overbooking.

What Are Your Rights in This Case?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, in the event of involuntary denial of boarding, you are entitled to:

  • €250 for flights shorter than 1,500 km

  • €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km

  • €600 for flights over 3,500 km

Additionally, the airline must provide:

✅ A refund or an alternative flight
✅ Meals and refreshments based on the waiting time
✅ Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
✅ Hotel accommodation and transfer if needed

Reduced Compensation

In some cases, the compensation may be reduced by 50% if the airline provides an alternative flight that reaches the destination with a minimal delay compared to the original schedule.

Examples:

✈️ Flights under 1,500 km: if the new flight arrives with less than 2 hours delay → €125
✈️ Flights between 1,500–3,500 km: delay under 3 hours → €200
✈️ Flights over 3,500 km: delay under 4 hours → €300

How to Claim Compensation?

To successfully claim compensation, make sure to keep the following documents:

📌 Boarding pass
📌 Electronic ticket
📌 Booking confirmation
📌 Baggage tag
📌 Receipts for any additional expenses

TIP: Ask the airline for a written statement explaining the reason for denied boarding. This can be crucial evidence when submitting your claim.

Statute of Limitations by Country

CountryLimitation Period CountryLimitation Period
Austria3 years Latvia2 years
Belgium1 year Lithuania3 years
Bulgaria3 years Luxembourg10 years
Croatia3 years MaltaNo limit
Cyprus6 years Netherlands2 years
Czech Republic3 years Norway3 years
Denmark3 years Poland1 year
Estonia3 years Portugal3 years
Finland3 years Romania3 years
France5 years Slovakia2 years
Germany3 years Slovenia2 years
Greece5 years Spain5 years
Hungary5 years Sweden3 years
Iceland2 years Switzerland2 years
Ireland6 years United Kingdom6 years



When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation for Denied Boarding?

EU Regulation 261/2004 provides the right to compensation if a passenger is denied boarding. However, in certain cases, airlines are not required to pay compensation:

  • Voluntary Denial: If the passenger voluntarily gives up their seat in exchange for other compensation (e.g., vouchers or frequent flyer miles), no monetary compensation is owed.

  • Lack of Valid Travel Documents: If the passenger does not have a valid passport or required visa, boarding can be lawfully denied. For example, Wizz Air does not offer compensation if the passenger cannot prove entry eligibility for the destination country.

  • Late Arrival at Gate or Check-In: If the passenger fails to arrive at the check-in counter or boarding gate on time, the airline has the right to deny boarding.

  • Security or Health Risk: If the crew determines that the passenger poses a threat to the safety or health of others or the staff, boarding may be denied.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with FlightCompensator!

If your boarding was unjustly denied and you are entitled to compensation, FlightCompensator is here to help! Our simple and fast process requires no upfront costs, and we work to secure the compensation you’re owed.

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