Overbooking: when you are entitled to compensation
Overbooking is a practice used by airlines that consists of selling more tickets than the available seats on the aircraft. When all passengers show up for boarding, some may be denied boarding.
If you are denied boarding against your will, you may be entitled to financial compensation of up to €600, in addition to assistance and rebooking.
In Europe, passenger rights are governed by Regulation EC 261/2004, which establishes when compensation is due and what obligations airlines have.
Denied boarding due to overbooking is one of the main situations that may entitle you to compensation, along with delayed flight and cancelled flight. For a complete overview of all cases covered, you can consult the general Flight Compensation guide.
When overbooking entitles you to compensation
You may be entitled to compensation if:
- you are denied boarding against your will
- you have a valid reservation
- you arrive at the airport on time for check-in
- the cause is attributable to the airline
In these cases, passengers may receive compensation of up to €600, depending on the flight distance.
Compensation amount for overbooking
The compensation provided by Regulation EC 261/2004 varies depending on the flight distance.
| Flight Distance | Compensation |
| Up to 1500 km | €250 |
| Between 1500 km and 3500 km | €400 |
| Over 3500 km | €600 |
Compensation is fixed and does not depend on the ticket price.
Practical example
If a passenger with a valid ticket for a Milan - Paris flight is denied boarding due to overbooking and is rebooked on a flight arriving several hours later, they may be entitled to €250 compensation, in addition to rebooking.
Volunteers vs denied boarding: key difference
In case of overbooking, airlines may ask for volunteers willing to give up their seat in exchange for benefits (vouchers, upgrades, or other compensation).
It is important to know that:
- If you accept voluntarily, you waive your right to standard compensation
- If you are denied boarding against your will, you are entitled to compensation
For this reason, it is important to carefully evaluate any offer before accepting.
Rebooking or refund
In case of denied boarding, the airline must offer one of the following options:
- ticket refund
- rebooking on the next available flight
- rebooking on a later date chosen by the passenger
Even if rebooked, you may still be entitled to compensation.
Assistance at the airport
When boarding is denied, the airline must provide assistance during the waiting time.
Main rights include:
- meals and refreshments
- two free communications
- hotel accommodation (if necessary)
- transport between airport and hotel
Extraordinary circumstances
Unlike delays and cancellations, overbooking is almost never considered an extraordinary circumstance, as it results from a commercial decision by the airline.
For this reason, compensation is usually granted.
How denied boarding is assessed
To determine whether you are entitled to compensation, several factors are considered:
- booking confirmation
- timely check-in
- reason for denied boarding
- whether you voluntarily gave up your seat
Major airlines operating in Europe, such as Ryanair, easyJet and Qatar Airways are subject to these rules.
Claim compensation for denied boarding
If you have been denied boarding due to overbooking, you can check your situation and find out if you are entitled to compensation under European law.
Check if you are entitled to flight compensation
FAQ – Overbooking
1. If I accept a voucher, am I still entitled to compensation?
No. If you voluntarily accept a benefit, you waive your right to standard compensation.
2. How much compensation can I get?
Up to €600, depending on flight distance.
3. Does the airline have to offer an alternative flight?
Yes. In case of denied boarding, the airline must offer rebooking or a refund.
4. Is overbooking legal?
Yes. It is a legal practice, but EU regulations protect passengers in case of disruption.
