Overbooking: what it is, what to do and how to obtain a refund or compensation
Imagine arriving on time at the airport, with your ticket and boarding pass ready… but at the gate they tell you that you cannot board because the flight is full. It’s frustrating, but unfortunately it happens: it’s called overbooking.
This commercial practice, legal but highly debated, is used by many airlines to maximize profits, assuming that some passengers will not show up. But if you are there and they don’t have a seat for you, you have clear rights. Let’s see which ones.
What is overbooking?
Overbooking (or “denied boarding due to overselling”) occurs when an airline sells more tickets than the actual available seats on the plane.
If all passengers show up at the gate, some are left behind. First, volunteers are sought to give up their seats in exchange for compensation. If no one volunteers, the exclusion happens forcibly and selectively (but with the right to compensation).
What the law says: EU Regulation 261/2004
According to European legislation:
In case of involuntary overbooking, the passenger is entitled to:
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Immediate assistance (meals, drinks, hotel if needed);
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Rebooking on another flight or a full ticket refund;
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Automatic financial compensation.
How much is the compensation?
The economic compensation depends on the flight distance:
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€250 → flights up to 1,500 km
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€400 → intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
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€600 → flights over 3,500 km (between EU and non-EU countries)
Example: if you are left behind on a Rome–Barcelona flight, you are entitled to €250 + an alternative flight or a refund.
Rebooking or refund? You choose
If you are a victim of overbooking, you can choose:
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An alternative flight, as soon as possible;
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A later flight on a more convenient date;
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Or a full refund of your ticket within 7 days.
What to do immediately in case of overbooking
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Ask for a written statement from the airline confirming the denied boarding.
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Don’t sign anything without reading: if you accept a voucher or benefit, you might waive your right to compensation.
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Keep all receipts of expenses incurred (meals, hotels, taxis).
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Document everything (screenshots, emails, ticket, boarding time).
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Immediately ask for assistance at the airline desk.
How to obtain compensation
Option 1 – Direct claim
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Use the form on the airline’s website.
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Attach documents and request compensation.
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You have 5 years to file a claim.
Option 2 – Use a claim company
Platforms like DelayFlight24 allow you to:
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Check if you are entitled to compensation,
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Submit the claim online in 5 minutes,
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Receive the payment without complications.
In conclusion
If you were denied boarding against your will due to overbooking:
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You are entitled to assistance, refund or rebooking,
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And you can obtain up to €600 in compensation,
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Without needing to prove specific damages.
Protecting yourself is simple, if you know what to do — and today you also have the tools to do it without wasting time or patience.
