Denied boarding and overbooked flights: compensation you can claim
Last reviewed: November 2026
In a nutshell
If an airline refuses to let you board against your will, usually because the flight is overbooked, you're entitled to compensation, care and a refund or replacement flight. Extraordinary circumstances don't normally apply, but airlines can refuse boarding for valid reasons like missing travel documents.
Check your flight free in 60 seconds
See if you're likely owed compensation, how much, and the time limit. If you are, get a ready-to-send claim letter for £9.99 / €11.99 / $14.99 per booking. You keep 100%.
Check my flight free →Volunteer or bumped?
Airlines must first ask for volunteers. If you volunteer, you get whatever you agree with the airline instead of fixed compensation. If you're refused boarding against your will, fixed compensation applies.
How much?
The usual distance bands: €250, €400 or €600 (EU) or £220, £350 or £520 (UK) per passenger. It can be halved if the replacement flight got you there within 2–4 hours of your original arrival time, depending on distance.
When the airline can refuse you
- Missing or invalid travel documents
- Health, safety or security reasons
- Disruptive behaviour
- Arriving at the gate too late
Find out if you're owed compensation
See if you're likely owed compensation, how much, and the time limit. If you are, get a ready-to-send claim letter for £9.99 / €11.99 / $14.99 per booking. You keep 100%.
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General information about UK and EU air passenger rights, not legal advice. Rules can change; check the details of your own flight.