Bumped from your flight? What you are owed
If an airline bumped you from an overbooked flight against your will, you are owed 250 to 600 euro per passenger under EU261 or UK261, plus care and a refund or re-routing. Because overbooking is within the airline’s control, it almost never counts as an extraordinary circumstance, so this is one of the strongest claims there is. Many airlines offer a voucher instead of the cash you can claim. The free way to check and claim without arguing is Compensair. Rules verified July 9, 2026.
Denied boarding happens when an airline sells more seats than the aircraft holds and cannot carry everyone who checked in on time. Under Regulation (EC) 261/2004 and its UK261 twin, this triggers a clear set of rights, and unlike a delay, the cash compensation does not depend on how late you eventually arrive.
Voluntary vs involuntary: it changes what you get
How much you can claim
Involuntary denied boarding pays the standard EU261 amounts by distance, per passenger:
- 250 euro for flights up to 1,500 km.
- 400 euro for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
- 600 euro for flights over 3,500 km.
The flight must depart from the EU or UK, or be an EU or UK airline arriving there. For the full legal background, see our guide to EC 261/2004.
When denied boarding does not pay
The fixed compensation is for involuntary bumping caused by overbooking. It does not apply if you gave up your seat voluntarily for an agreed benefit, or if you were refused boarding for reasons on your side or on safety grounds, such as arriving after the check-in deadline, inadequate or invalid travel documents, or a health or security issue. In those cases the airline can deny boarding without owing the cash amount.
Claim it: our pick
Our pick to claim: Compensair
No-win-no-fee EU261 / UK261 claim service
No win, no fee
Denied boarding is one of the strongest cases under EU261 because overbooking is squarely within the airline’s control, yet carriers still push meal vouchers or travel credit instead of the cash you are owed. Compensair checks your flight for free, and if you were bumped involuntarily it pursues the full claim on a no-win-no-fee basis, keeping a success fee of about 30 percent of the amount recovered (plus 10 percent only if legal action is needed). Checked July 9, 2026.
Pros
- Denied boarding for overbooking almost always qualifies
- Free check, then no upfront cost
- Handles the airline paperwork and escalation for you
- Rated about 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (attributed, see above)
Cons
- Success fee of about 30 percent (plus 10 percent if legal action is needed)
- Volunteers who accepted a deal at the gate usually cannot also claim the fixed amount
- Denied boarding for safety or invalid documents does not qualify
Best for: Passengers bumped against their will from an overbooked EU or UK flight who were offered a voucher instead of cash.
Not sure of the amount? Try our flight compensation calculator, or start at the EU flight compensation hub for delays and cancellations too.
Frequently asked questions
How much is denied boarding compensation?
If you are bumped against your will, EU261 and UK261 pay by flight distance: 250 euro up to 1,500 km, 400 euro for 1,500 to 3,500 km and 600 euro over 3,500 km, in pounds for UK flights. Unlike a delay, denied boarding does not need a 3-hour threshold; the compensation is due as soon as you are involuntarily bumped.
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?
Airlines first ask for volunteers to give up their seat in return for an agreed benefit such as credit or a later flight. If you volunteer and accept the deal, you take those benefits instead of the fixed compensation. If nobody volunteers and the airline bumps you against your will, that is involuntary denied boarding and the fixed 250 to 600 euro is due.
Can the airline refuse denied boarding compensation for overbooking?
Rarely. Overbooking is a commercial decision within the airline’s control, so it does not count as an extraordinary circumstance. That makes denied boarding one of the strongest EU261 claims. Compensation can be refused only where you were denied boarding for reasons such as health, safety, or inadequate travel documents.
Do I still get a refund or another flight if I am bumped?
Yes. On top of the cash compensation you can choose either a full refund of the unused ticket or re-routing to your destination at the earliest opportunity. You are also entitled to care while you wait, meaning meals, communication and accommodation if an overnight stay is needed.
This guide explains the rules in plain terms and is not legal advice; eligibility depends on your specific flight. Rules and amounts were verified on July 9, 2026 against EU sources.