Being denied boarding can be a frustrating experience, especially when you have a schedule to keep. However, travellers in the European Union are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which provides clear guidelines for denied boarding compensation and assistance due to overbooking or other reasons within the airline’s control. Understanding your rights can help ensure you’re fairly compensated and minimize the disruption to your plans.
Understanding Denied Boarding
Denied boarding occurs when passengers cannot board their scheduled flight despite having a confirmed booking and arriving on time for check-in. Most commonly, this happens due to overbooking, a practice airlines use to compensate for people who made reservations but didn’t show up. Other reasons might include safety or legal issues, such as improper travel documents or health concerns.
Rights Under EU Regulation 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to specific rights if they are denied boarding against their will on flights. This applies to flights in the following categories:
- Departing from any EU airport, regardless of the airline
- Arriving in the EU from outside the EU if operated by an EU airline
Compensation for Denied Boarding
The amount of denied boarding compensation depends on the flight distance and the delay in reaching your final destination:
- Flights under 1,500 kilometers: Passengers are entitled to €250 compensation.
- Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers: Passengers can receive €400.
- Flights over 3,500 kilometers: The compensation is usually €600.
Additional Entitlements
Besides financial compensation, denied boarding also entitles passengers to:
- The choice between a full refund of the ticket within seven days or a rerouting to their final destination at the earliest convenience or a later date suitable to the passenger, subject to seat availability.
- Care and assistance while waiting for a rerouted flight, which includes meals and refreshments, free telephone calls, emails or faxes, and accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel, if an overnight stay is necessary.
Steps to Claim Compensation
1. Gather Documentation: Keep all travel documents, including your boarding pass and any communications from the airline.
2. Request a Written Explanation: Ask for a written statement from the airline detailing the reasons for denied boarding and the compensation rules.
3. File a Compensation Claim: Submit a claim directly to the airline, including all relevant documents and a reference to EU Regulation 261/2004.
4.Follow-Up: If the airline does not respond or you are unsatisfied with the response, you can escalate the issue to the national enforcement body in the country where the incident occurred or seek legal action.
Handling Denied Boarding
If you are denied boarding, it is important to remain calm and cooperative. Understand that while this situation is inconvenient, EU regulations are designed to protect your rights. Engage respectfully with airline staff, who can provide you with the necessary forms and instructions for compensation and care.
Conclusion
Denied boarding can disrupt your travel significantly, but knowing your rights is the first step. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you are entitled to compensation and care that should ease the inconvenience. Be ready to assert your rights and follow the necessary steps to claim what you are entitled to under the law.