Flying is exciting. There’s the thrill of takeoff, the bird’s-eye view of the landscape, and the anticipation of visiting a new place or seeing friends and family. However, flying can also be stressful — especially when airlines overbook flights to boost their profits, which only adds to the frustration.
The good news is that the EU Flight Compensation Regulation, also called EU 261, provides passengers with compensation in the event they’re bumped from an overbooked flight. It’s important that all travellers know their rights when it comes to claiming overbooked flight compensation—and know how to avoid this situation whenever possible.
Overbooked flights are actually quite common. Airlines often assume that not all passengers will show up for a flight, so they sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane. This helps them cover for cancellations and no-shows, making the flight more profitable. In short, airlines aim to fill every seat to maximize their profits.
Airlines determine each flight's 'no-show rate' based on historical data from the same route. If their data shows that there are typically four no-shows for a given route, they’ll sell four more tickets than there are seats on the plane.
The trouble begins when all the passengers show up. This results in an oversold flight—and an opportunity for travelers to claim compensation for overbooked flights from the airline.
Of course, the best-case scenario is to avoid being removed from an overbooked flight altogether. But if it happens, make sure you receive an incentive that is at least equal to the compensation you'd be entitled to for an overbooked flight.
In modern air travel, online check-in has become standard. Most major airlines allow you to check in online or via mobile devices 24 hours before your flight. The benefits of checking in as early as possible include:
Flying on a less-popular route or at a less-popular time of day can help you avoid having to deal with an oversold flight. All passengers are more likely to show up at popular times of day, and more popular routes are more likely to be overbooked. Try these options when you fly:
First-class and business-class travellers often get special treatment—it’s a fact of airline travel. The airline has higher profit margins on those seats, so if you can afford them, it’s a great way to ensure you don’t get bumped from an overbooked flight. In addition, frequent flyers and rewards club members will also have clout. The airlines want to keep these passengers satisfied so they’ll keep returning. Finally, those whose travel plans would be very disrupted may be able to convince the airline not to bump them. If you have a connecting flight or an important event, like bereavement, let the airline know.
You can also go the opposite route, and volunteer to be bumped. Airlines will almost always seek volunteers before they start involuntarily removing passengers from the flight. They’ll often offer rewards, anything from flight vouchers to cash. Keep in mind that you may be able to get more from overbooking compensation than what the airline is offering, so it’s important to know your rights.
Sometimes, overbooked flights are unavoidable—and if you're unable to follow the tips above, you might end up being the one removed. EU 261 offers several types of compensation for overbooked flights that you should be aware of.
If you’re bumped from an oversold flight, it’s important to know your rights. You’ll have the choice of receiving a reimbursement from the airline or a replacement seat on the next available flight to your destination. You can also choose to fly to a nearby destination instead if there is a flight available sooner. Any overbooked flight compensation you are eligible for after your ordeal is over does not affect your ticket refund or rebooking—it’s a separate claim.
In addition to a ticket refund and overbooking compensation, the airline is required to accommodate you during any time you must wait in the airport. This means they must provide meals and refreshments, two telephone calls or emails, and also lodging and transportation to and from the airport, if you’re required to wait overnight. If the airline doesn’t provide you with vouchers, be sure you keep your receipts. You can ask them to reimburse you later.
Once you make it to your final destination, or return home if you choose to accept a refund for your ticket, it’s time to think about making a claim for overbooked flight compensation. Because of EU 261, it’s easy to file a claim online, and when you go through a reputable company like TravelRefund, you don’t pay unless you win.
Most claims under EU 261 are subject to something called 'extraordinary circumstances.' This means that if the reason for the cancellation or delay was not within the airline’s control, for example the weather, they do not owe compensation. Airlines only pay compensation for issues that are within their control. Fortunately for travellers who have been bumped from overbooked flights, this issue is almost always the airline’s fault.
However, don’t confuse being denied boarding due to overbooking—which is the airline’s fault —with other reasons you may be denied boarding. If you don’t have the right documents, like a valid passport or visa, if you are inebriated, or if the crew thinks you are too ill to travel, you could be denied boarding and you would not be able to claim overbooked flight compensation.
Have you been bumped from an overbooked flight, but you’re not sure if you’re eligible for compensation? Do you have questions about the amount you can claim or need information on how to file? Contact us today. We’re always here to answer your questions about overbooked flight compensation.