Denied Boarding Compensation — Overbooked Flights
Being denied boarding — “bumped” — because a flight is overbooked is one of the clearest-cut UK261 claims there is. Overbooking is entirely the airline’s commercial choice, so it can almost never be dressed up as an extraordinary circumstance. If you were bumped against your will despite a valid ticket and turning up on time, you’re usually owed the full compensation plus a refund or rerouting.
This guide explains when denied boarding qualifies, the volunteer rules, and how to claim. Check your amount with the compensation calculator.
When Denied Boarding Qualifies
Involuntary Bumping
You’re usually owed compensation if:
- You had a confirmed reservation and a valid ticket
- You presented for check-in and boarding on time
- You were denied boarding against your will (typically overbooking)
- Overbooking is the airline’s choice — rarely an extraordinary circumstance
The Volunteer Rule
Airlines must ask for volunteers first:
- Before bumping anyone, the airline must seek volunteers to give up seats
- Volunteers negotiate their own benefit — plus refund or rerouting
- If you volunteer and accept a deal, you may forgo the fixed compensation
- If you’re bumped involuntarily, the full compensation applies
Compensation Amounts
How Much for Denied Boarding
The fixed amounts apply, by distance:
- £220 — short-haul, up to 1,500 km
- £350 — medium-haul, 1,500 to 3,500 km
- £520 — long-haul, over 3,500 km
- Plus a refund or rerouting, and care while you wait
When You May Not Qualify
The Exceptions
Compensation may not apply if boarding was denied for:
- Health, safety or security reasons
- Inadequate or invalid travel documents
- Arriving late at check-in or the gate
- Voluntarily giving up your seat for an agreed benefit
Common Questions About Denied Boarding
The airline offered me a voucher to take a later flight. Should I accept?
Only if the deal genuinely beats your fixed entitlement. If you volunteer, you negotiate your own benefit and give up the automatic compensation — so weigh the voucher against the £220–£520 you’d get for being bumped involuntarily, plus the value of your time. If the offer is a low-value voucher, you may be better declining and taking the statutory compensation.
I was bumped because the plane was a smaller aircraft than planned. Is that claimable?
Usually yes. An aircraft swap that reduces seats is an operational decision within the airline’s control, much like overbooking — it’s not an extraordinary circumstance. If you had a confirmed seat and were denied boarding as a result, you’re generally owed compensation.
I arrived at the gate a few minutes late and was refused. Can I claim?
Generally no. Denied-boarding compensation requires that you presented for check-in and boarding on time. If you missed the check-in or boarding deadline, the airline isn’t liable for denied-boarding compensation — the rules protect passengers bumped despite doing everything right.
Does denied boarding compensation depend on how late I eventually arrived?
No — unlike a delay, involuntary denied boarding triggers the fixed compensation in its own right, separate from your eventual arrival time. You also keep the right to a refund or rerouting and to care. It’s one of the few situations where the payment doesn’t hinge on the 3-hour arrival test.
Related Guides
Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
Am I Eligible for Flight Delay Compensation?
Extraordinary Circumstances Explained
How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation
Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Delayed Flight
If your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free flight delay claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
