Introduction
Denied boarding is a frustrating experience for air travellers that can disrupt plans and cause inconvenience. Whether it’s due to overbooking, operational issues, or other reasons, being denied boarding can leave passengers feeling stranded and uncertain about their rights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about denied boarding compensation – from its causes to your rights as a passenger and the steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.
Explanation of Denied Boarding and Its Causes
Denied boarding occurs when passengers with confirmed tickets are not allowed to board their flight, usually due to factors such as overbooking or operational issues. Overbooking happens when airlines sell more tickets than there are available seats on a flight, often in anticipation of some passengers not showing up. However, when all passengers arrive, some may be involuntarily denied boarding to accommodate everyone safely.
Operational issues, such as aircraft maintenance problems or crew scheduling conflicts, can also lead to
denied boarding. In these cases, airlines may need to reduce the number of passengers on a flight for safety or operational reasons, resulting in some travellers being denied boarding.
Passenger Rights When Denied Boarding
Passengers who are denied boarding, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, are entitled to certain rights and
protections under various regulations, such as the EU Regulation 261/2004. These rights include:
● Right to Compensation: Passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding may be entitled to compensation, depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay caused by the denied boarding. Compensation amounts are predetermined and vary depending on the circumstances.
● Right to Assistance: Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers who are denied boarding, including meals, refreshments, accommodation (if necessary), and transportation between the airport and the accommodation.
● Right to Re-routing or Refund: In addition to compensation, passengers have the right to choose between being re-routed to their final destination at the earliest opportunity or receiving a refund of the ticket price for the unused portion of their journey.
● Priority for Re-routing: Passengers who are denied boarding should be given priority for re-routing on alternative flights, ensuring they reach their final destination as soon as possible. It’s essential for passengers to be aware of these rights and assert them when faced with denied boarding
situations.
Steps to Take When Denied Boarding at the Airport
If you find yourself denied boarding at the airport, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the following steps:
● Ask for Information: Seek clarification from airline staff regarding the reason for the denied boarding and your rights as a passenger. Request written documentation of the denied boarding and any compensation offered.
● Request Alternative Transportation: Ask the airline to re-route you on the next available flight to your destination. If no suitable alternative is available, request a refund of your ticket.
● Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with airline staff, including names, dates, and times. Take note of any offers of compensation, alternative transportation, or assistance provided.
● Collect Evidence: Gather evidence to support your claim for compensation, such as boarding passes, ticket receipts, and any documentation provided by the airline.
● File a Complaint: If you believe your rights have been violated or you are not satisfied with the compensation offered, file a formal complaint with the airline. Be sure to include all relevant details and documentation to support your claim.
How to Claim Compensation for Denied Boarding Incidents
If you have been involuntarily denied boarding and believe you are entitled to compensation, you can take
the following steps to claim compensation:
● Check Eligibility: Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for compensation under relevant regulations, such as EU Regulation 261/2004. Ensure that the denied boarding was not due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control.
● Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documentation to support your claim, including boarding passes, ticket receipts, and any communication with the airline regarding the denied boarding incident.
● Submit a Claim: Contact the airline directly to submit a claim for compensation. Provide all necessary documentation and details of the denied boarding incident, including the flight number, date, and reason for the denial.
● Follow Up: Stay in touch with the airline to track the progress of your claim. Be persistent and follow up regularly to ensure your claim is being processed in a timely manner.
● Seek Legal Assistance: If the airline refuses to compensate you or fails to respond to your claim, consider seeking legal assistance from a specialized flight compensation company or legal firm. They can help you navigate the claims process and advocate for your rights.
Conclusion
Being denied boarding can be a frustrating experience for air travellers, but it’s essential to know your rights and take action to assert them. Whether it’s due to overbooking, operational issues, or other reasons, passengers have rights to compensation, assistance, and re-routing in the event of denied boarding incidents. By understanding these rights and following the necessary steps, passengers can seek compensation and ensure their travel plans are not unduly disrupted.