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Overbooked flight: refused a seat and what you are owed

Airlines sometimes sell more tickets than seats. If you are refused boarding against your will you may be owed cash compensation, a refund or rerouting, and care. This guide shows how to protect your rights at the gate.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-19

What happens when a flight is overbooked

  1. The airline must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats.
  2. Volunteers get benefits they agree with the airline, plus a refund or rerouting and care.
  3. If not enough people volunteer, the airline can refuse boarding to others. This is called involuntary denied boarding, and it triggers compensation.

Your rights if you are refused boarding against your will

  • Compensation: EUR 250, 400 or 600 depending on distance.
  • Choice: a refund of the ticket within 7 days (with a return flight if needed) or rerouting at the earliest opportunity or a later date.
  • Care: meals, two free calls or messages, and a hotel and transport if you must stay overnight.
Flight distanceCompensation
1,500 km or lessEUR 250
Within the EU over 1,500 km, and other flights of 1,500 to 3,500 kmEUR 400
Over 3,500 kmEUR 600

If the airline reroutes you and you reach your destination only slightly later than planned (2, 3 or 4 hours depending on distance), it may cut the compensation by 50 percent.

You must meet the conditions

  • You had a confirmed booking.
  • You checked in on time. If the airline gives no deadline, that means no later than 45 minutes before departure.
  • You were at the gate and had valid travel documents.
  • You were not refused for health, safety or security reasons or because of missing documents. For document problems see denied boarding because of documents.

Problems and fixes

ProblemWhat to do
The airline asks you to volunteerDo not agree until you know the offer. Ask for cash, the new flight time and care in writing. If you volunteer, you may lose the right to fixed EU compensation, so read what you sign.
The airline offers vouchers instead of cashCompensation is normally paid in cash or by bank transfer. A voucher is valid only if you agree in writing.
The airline says it is not denied boardingAsk for the official denied boarding notice. Airlines must give you a written notice of your rights.
You were refused because you arrived late at the gateIf you checked in on time and the airline was boarding early, you may still qualify. Keep your boarding pass and check-in time.
You miss an important connection or eventTell the airline and keep proof of extra costs. You may be able to claim additional damages.
The airline ignores your claimEscalate with a written complaint, then go to the national enforcement body or a court.

How to claim step by step

  1. Ask the gate agent for the written denied boarding notice.
  2. Take photos of the boarding pass, departure board and any messages.
  3. Keep receipts for meals, hotel and transport.
  4. Send your claim to the operating airline in writing. Use the free complaint letter generator and check the amount with the compensation calculator.
  5. Escalate after about 2 months of silence, or sooner if the airline refuses without a clear reason.

General information only

This guide is information, not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the airline, the national enforcement body or a qualified lawyer before you act. ArrivalCardGuide does not file claims and takes no share of any money you recover.

Questions and answers

Is overbooking legal?

Airlines may overbook, but they must follow the rules on volunteers, compensation and care.

Can I say no to a voucher?

Yes. Compensation is normally paid in cash or by bank transfer, and a voucher is valid only if you agree in writing.

Does this apply to my flight from Pakistan?

Only if the flight is covered by EU rules. A flight from Pakistan to Europe on a non-EU airline is not, while the flight home from Europe is covered on any airline.

What if I volunteered and regret it?

Your rights depend on the agreement you made. Ask for everything in writing before you volunteer.

Sources

This guide summarises EU Regulation 261/2004, the Montreal Convention and public airline notices. Baggage figures were checked against airline liability notices on 2026-10-19. Rules can change, so always confirm the latest version with the official sources above before you claim.

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