Denied boarding occurs when an airline refuses to let a passenger board a flight, even though they arrived on time, have a valid ticket, and met all travel requirements.
This typically happens when the flight is overbooked — the airline sold more seats than available — but can also result from operational or administrative errors.
Learn More About the Definition of Denied Boarding
Airlines frequently oversell seats because they expect a few passengers not to show up. When everyone arrives, some travellers are involuntarily bumped.
If this happens, EU261/2004 and UK261 require the airline to first ask for volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for benefits (vouchers, upgrades, etc.).
If not enough volunteers come forward and you are denied boarding against your will, you are entitled to:
- Immediate assistance (food, refreshments, accommodation if needed)
- Re-routing or ticket refund
- Financial compensation of up to €600 (£520) depending on flight distance
When does a Denied Boarding apply?
Denied boarding compensation applies when:
- You had a confirmed booking and valid travel documents.
- You checked in on time as per airline rules.
- The airline refused to board you for operational or overbooking reasons (not for security, visa, or health issues).
- The flight departed from the EU/UK or was operated by an EU/UK carrier arriving into the EU/UK.
Compensation Amounts (EU261/UK261)
| Flight Distance | Compensation (€ / £) |
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 / £220 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | €400 / £350 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 / £520 |
The airline must also offer:
- Meals and refreshments
- Hotel accommodation (if overnight delay)
- Transport between airport and hotel
- Two free communications (calls or emails)
- Choice between re-routing or refund
Why it matters
Denied boarding can disrupt travel plans, but the law is on your side. Many passengers don’t realise they’re entitled to both cash compensation and assistance. Understanding your rights helps you make the right choice — whether to accept vouchers or insist on legal compensation.
How does AireClaim help with Denied Boarding?
AireClaim helps you claim compensation for denied boarding easily. We handle all communication with the airline, check your eligibility, and manage any necessary legal escalation. You pay only if we succeed.
You only pay a success fee if we win.
- Start here: Check eligibility & start your flight claim
- Read more: Passenger Rights under EU261
FAQs about What is a Denied Boarding
Not usually. Denied boarding applies when you’re refused entry to the plane despite having a seat. Technical issues leading to flight cancellations or re-routings fall under Flight Cancellation or Flight Delay
No. To qualify, you must meet the airline’s check-in deadline. Always arrive early and keep proof (photos, timestamps) in case there’s a dispute. Learn more in EU261 Regulation.
Yes. If you’re refused boarding on a connection (for example, after a delay on the first leg), it can still qualify as denied boarding — provided it’s under the same booking reference (PNR). Compensation is based on your final destination delay. Learn more in EU261 Regulation.