Overbooking Compensation
Flight overbooked? Learn how to claim up to €600 in compensation when airlines sell more seats than available.
Understanding Flight Overbooking
Overbooking is a common airline practice where more tickets are sold than available seats. While this usually works out, sometimes passengers get bumped.
✅ Voluntary Bumping
- • Airlines ask for volunteers
- • You negotiate your compensation
- • Can include vouchers, upgrades, cash
- • You choose whether to accept
❌ Involuntary Bumping
- • Airline forces you off the flight
- • Entitled to mandatory compensation
- • €250-€600 depending on distance
- • Plus care and re-routing
Your Rights When Overbooked
Cash Compensation
€250-€600 based on flight distance
Alternative Flight
Re-routing at earliest opportunity
Meals & Drinks
Free refreshments while waiting
Hotel if Needed
Accommodation for overnight delays
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do airlines overbook flights?
Airlines overbook to maximize revenue, anticipating that some passengers will not show up. Statistically, a percentage of passengers miss their flights, so airlines sell more tickets than available seats.
What should I do if my flight is overbooked?
If asked to give up your seat voluntarily, negotiate for better compensation. If involuntarily bumped, document everything and claim your entitled compensation under EU261.
Can I refuse to give up my seat on an overbooked flight?
Yes, you can refuse to volunteer. However, if the airline involuntarily bumps you, you are entitled to mandatory compensation which is often more valuable than voluntary offers.
Claim Your Compensation
Use these trusted services to handle your claim. No win, no fee.
AirHelp
Check Your Eligibility with AirHelp
Free eligibility check in under 3 minutes. No win, no fee.
3 Minutes
Quick eligibility check
Up to €600
Per passenger
98% Success
When we take your case
AirHelp handles everything: paperwork, airline negotiations, and legal proceedings if needed. You only pay if you receive compensation.
Compensair
Check Your Eligibility with Compensair
Free eligibility check in under 3 minutes. No win, no fee.
3 Minutes
Quick eligibility check
Up to €600
Per passenger
25% Fee
Only if you win
Compensair handles everything: paperwork, airline negotiations, and legal proceedings if needed. You only pay 25% if you receive compensation.