Can you get compensation for overbooked flights in the UK?
Have you ever made a flight booking, only to find out later that the airline has overbooked your flight? This situation is more common than you think, and it can be frustrating, especially if you have to get to your destination urgently. However, did you know that as an air passenger, you have rights when it comes to overbooked flights in the UK, including the right to compensation? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how the compensation process works and what you need to know to claim compensation for overbooked flights.
1. Overbooked Flight: Meaning
Before we delve into compensation for overbooked flights, let’s first define what an overbooked flight is. Overbooking is a common practice in the airline industry, where airlines sell more seats than available on a flight to reduce the risk of empty seats.
However, this also means that airlines may have to deny boarding to some passengers if all ticket holders show up for the flight. This situation is referred to as an overbooked flight, where airlines must deny boarding to some passengers.
2. How to Deal With an Overbooked Flight (and Get Overbooked Flight Compensation)?
How do you know if a flight is overbooked?
One the first indications that you are on an overbooked flight is when the gate attendant begins looking for volunteers to take a different plane. Usually, they entice passengers with a travel voucher or cash compensation. These enticing offers may persuade those who are not pressed for time to accept, under the impression that they are receiving a favorable deal.
But you don’t have to accept any of this. If you do accept any of the offered vouchers or cash compensation, you can’t get denied boarding compensation from the airline.
Here’s how it works:
There are two types of denied boarding: voluntary and involuntary.
2.1 Voluntary vs Involuntary Denied Boarding
Voluntary boarding denial occurs when a passenger chooses not to fly in exchange for benefits.
Involuntary boarding denial, on the other hand, happens when a passenger is denied entry on a plane against their will due to a lack of available seats.
The key distinction between these two types of denial lies in the possibility of receiving compensation. If you are denied boarding voluntarily, you are not entitled to compensation. However, if you experience involuntary boarding denial, you are eligible to receive UK denied boarding compensation.
2.2 How Denied Boarding Process Begins?
In the event of an overbooked flight, where there are more passengers than available seats, it is possible that not everyone will have a seat. Consequently, gate attendants will start seeking volunteers who are willing to take an alternative flight.
In the event of insufficient volunteers, gate attendants may have to deny boarding to certain passengers. Typically, those who checked in last are the ones most likely to be denied boarding.
In some cases, airlines may prioritize frequent flyers or passengers with higher fare classes, exempting them from involuntary denied boarding if possible.
2.3 What to Do if You Are Denied Boarding?
When faced with denied boarding, the airline staff will provide an explanation and assistance, help with rebooking on the next available flight (for free), offer a refund option, and provide amenities and meals for your comfort while you wait (i.e., you have a right to care). If the new flight is on the next day, the airline must provide you with a free hotel stay.
In the event of involuntary denied boarding, apart from what was mentioned earlier, you have the right to claim UK denied boarding compensation from the airline.
Read more: What to Do if You Are Denied Boarding?
3. What Compensation Are You Entitled To?
Is there a compensation for overbooked flights in the UK?
If you have been involuntarily denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, you are entitled to denied boarding compensation (often called “oversold flight compensation”) under the Regulation UK 261.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the distance of your flight.
- £220 – If the distance of your flight is 1,500 km or less
- £350 – If the distance of your flight is 1,500 km – 3,500 km
- £520 – If the distance of your flight is greater than 3,500 km
Keep in mind that you are not entitled to compensation if you accept the offer travel later on a different flight (voluntary denied boarding).
4. How to Claim Overbooked Flight Compensation?
How you can claim compensation for overbooked flights in the UK?
There are two ways you can claim compensation for an overbooked flight.
- Do it independently. To claim compensation, you need to write to the airline explaining the details of the overbooked flight and your claim. Refer to the Regulation UK 261. If the airline rejects your claim, you can escalate the issue to the National Enforcement Body in your country or seek legal representation.
- You can seek legal representation. Seeking legal representation (i.e., working with a flight compensation company) is the easiest option. Our partners offer such services. By choosing to work with experts, making a claim is straightforward and hassle-free. All you need to do is fill out one form, the compensation claim form, and experts will handle the rest.
Learn more: UK Denied Boarding Compensation
Do you still have questions about compensation for overbooked flights in the UK? Ask in the comments.