Denied Boarding Compensation

If the airline doesn’t let you board your flight, even when you haven’t done anything wrong, knowing your air passenger rights will help you know what to do next.

1. Do not volunteer to give up your seat in exchange for vouchers or perks.

If you do, you could be giving up your right to any additional compensation. Of course, if the airline makes a compelling enough offer, you may prefer to take it. The final decision is up to you.

1. Hold onto your boarding pass and any other travel documents.

If you don’t have your boarding pass, you can use any flight document with a booking reference number. This number is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline and is a six-digit code, which may include both letters and numbers.

1. Ask why you’re being denied boarding.

The most common reason is being “bumped” due to an overbooked flight, but there are other reasons you may be denied boarding, as well. This information is important down the line if you decide to file a claim.

1. Request an alternate flight to your destination.

Or, if you prefer, you can request a refund of your fare and a return flight to your original point of departure, if necessary.

1. Request compensation for your boarding denial.

Provided you’re eligible, the airline should pay you immediately once you’ve been denied boarding for your flight. That’s in addition to offering you the re-routing or refund mentioned above.

1. Ask the airline to cover your meals and refreshments.

If you are forced to wait at the airport longer than planned, the airline is supposed to provide food and drinks to keep you comfortable. It’s not just good hospitality, in some cases it’s a requirement.

1. Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room.

If you’re being grounded overnight while waiting for an alternate flight to your destination, the airline should cover any reasonable costs for accommodations as well as transportation to and from the airport, if necessary.

1. Keep your receipts if your boarding denial ends up costing you extra money.

Whether it’s missing out on a pre-paid reservation, hotel, rental car, or other unexpected costs, passengers on international flights—even within the EU—may be able to recover expenses caused by travel disruptions.

1. See if your boarding denial is eligible for compensation.

If travelers on US domestic flights are “bumped” due to an overbooked flight, they may be entitled to compensation. Here’s what to do if it happens to you:

1. Do not volunteer to give up your seat in exchange for vouchers or perks.

If you do, you could be giving up your right to any additional compensation. Of course, if the airline makes a compelling enough offer, you may prefer to take it. The final decision is up to you.

1. Hold onto your boarding pass and any other travel documents.

If you don’t have your boarding pass, you can use any flight document with a booking reference number. This number is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline and is a six-digit code, which may include both letters and numbers.

1. Ask why you’re being denied boarding.

The most common reason is being “bumped” due to an overbooked flight, which the airline should compensate you for. But there are other reasons you may be denied boarding which is not covered.

1. Request an alternate flight to your destination.

2. Request compensation for your boarding denial.

Provided you’re eligible, the airline should pay you, in addition to offering you re-routing on an alternate flight.

1. See if your boarding denial is eligible for compensation.

Want to know more? Explore all the details about boarding denials on US flights and learn even more about your air passenger rights.

Passengers on international flights can claim reimbursement for expenses due to boarding denials if they follow a few simple steps:

1. Do not volunteer to give up your seat in exchange for vouchers or perks.

If you do, you could be giving up your right to any additional compensation (such as reimbursement for your expenses). Of course, if the airline makes a compelling enough offer, you may prefer to take it. The final decision is up to you.

1. Hold onto your boarding pass and any other travel documents.

If you don’t have your boarding pass, you can use any flight document with a booking reference number. This number is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline and is a six-digit code, which may include both letters and numbers.

1. Ask why you’re being denied boarding.

The most common reason is being “bumped” due to an overbooked flight, but there are other reasons you may be denied boarding, as well. This information is important for deciding if the airline is at fault if you decide to file a claim.

1. Request an alternate flight to your destination.

2. Keep your receipts if your boarding denial ends up costing you extra money.
   Whether it’s missing out on a pre-paid reservation, hotel, rental car, or other unexpected costs, you may be able to recover expenses caused by your flight disruption. That paper trail will help lead you to your compensation.

Want to know more? Explore all the details about boarding denials on international flights and learn even more about your air passenger rights.