Denied Boarding: Possible Compensation of Up to EUR600 Under EU261

If an airline denies you boarding against your will -- usually due to overbooking -- you may be entitled to EUR 250-600 compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Unlike delays or cancellations, there is no 'extraordinary circumstances' exception for denied boarding.

Am I entitled to denied boarding compensation?

If an airline denies you boarding against your will — usually because the flight is overbooked — you may be entitled to EUR 250, EUR 400 or EUR 600 under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, depending on the flight distance (up to 1,500 km; within the EU over 1,500 km, or otherwise up to 3,500 km; all other flights). Unlike delays and cancellations there is no 'extraordinary circumstances' defence: involuntary denied boarding always triggers the claim, plus the choice between a full refund and re-routing, and care such as meals and, where necessary, a hotel. The rules cover flights departing EU/EEA airports and EU-airline flights into the EU. Important: passengers who volunteer to give up their seat in exchange for benefits waive the compensation claim — never volunteer without comparing the airline's offer against your legal entitlement. You can claim yourself, free of charge, directly with the airline; ClaimEU261 generates the legally referenced complaint letter for a one-time flat fee.

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How much compensation can you claim for denied boarding?

EU261 compensation table for denied boarding
Flight DistanceCompensationExample Route
Up to 1,500 km250 EURCologne - Amsterdam, Vienna - Prague
1,500 to 3,500 km, plus all flights within the EU over 1,500 km400 EURFrankfurt - Athens, Berlin - Madrid
All other flights (between the EU and a non-EU country, over 3,500 km)600 EURMunich - Singapore, Frankfurt - Tokyo

Flights to the EU's outermost regions — such as the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores or Réunion — count as flights within the EU. The Regulation therefore provides 400 euros for them, even where the distance exceeds 3,500 km.

Strong claim: No exceptions

For involuntary denied boarding, the airline CANNOT invoke extraordinary circumstances. As long as you checked in on time and have valid travel documents, you may be entitled to compensation.

How do you claim denied boarding compensation yourself?

  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Ensure you were involuntarily denied boarding, had a valid ticket, and arrived at the gate on time.

  2. 2

    Enter flight data

    Enter your flight number, date, and airports. We calculate the distance and compensation amount.

  3. 3

    Generate complaint letter

    Our AI creates a professional complaint letter with all EU261 references and your case details from EUR 10.

  4. 4

    Send to airline

    Download the letter as a PDF and send it to the airline. Denied boarding claims are particularly strong under EU261.

When are you entitled to denied boarding compensation?

You have a claim if:

  • You were involuntarily denied boarding (not voluntary)
  • You had a valid ticket and valid travel documents
  • You arrived at check-in and the gate on time
  • The flight departed from the EU or arrived in the EU on an EU airline

No claim if:

  • You voluntarily gave up your seat in exchange for benefits
  • You arrived too late for check-in or at the gate
  • Invalid or missing travel documents (passport, visa)
  • Safety or health reasons (e.g. disruptive behavior)

EU261 reform 2026: The EU has adopted new air passenger rights rules, but they only start applying around the second half of 2027. Flights today are governed by the current rules described on this page.

To the reform tracker: what changes — and what applies today

Airline rejected your claim or gone silent?

What you can reply — with CJEU citations

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is denied boarding?
Denied boarding occurs when an airline refuses to let you board against your will, even though you have a valid ticket, checked in on time, and arrived at the gate on time. The most common reason: the airline sold more tickets than seats available (overbooking).
Are there any exceptions to the compensation claim?
For involuntary denied boarding, there are virtually no exceptions -- unlike delays and cancellations, airlines CANNOT invoke extraordinary circumstances. The claim only fails if you were responsible (e.g. late at the gate, invalid travel documents).
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary bumping?
The airline must first ask for volunteers who will give up their seat in exchange for benefits (e.g. vouchers, rebooking). If not enough volunteers are found, passengers are involuntarily denied boarding -- and only then does the EU261 compensation claim apply.
What additional rights do I have when denied boarding?
In addition to compensation, you have the right to: choice between refund or rebooking, care and assistance (meals, drinks, hotel if needed), and communication (2 phone calls, emails).
Do I have to volunteer to give up my seat?
No, you do not have to volunteer. If the airline offers incentives (vouchers, upgrades, cash), you are free to decide. If you accept the voluntary offer, you lose the statutory EU261 compensation entitlement.
How much compensation may I be entitled to?
Possible compensation depends on the flight distance: EUR250 up to 1,500 km, EUR400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and all other flights up to 3,500 km, and EUR600 for all other flights. Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the airline offers an alternative flight that gets you to your destination less than 2 hours (up to 1,500 km), 3 hours (within the EU over 1,500 km and all other flights up to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (all other flights) late (Art. 7(2)).

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The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. No liability is accepted for accuracy or completeness. For complex cases, we recommend consulting a lawyer.