Overbooked Flight? Your Rights When You're Bumped

What you're owed for involuntary denied boarding in the U.S., EU and UK, and how to negotiate when the airline asks for volunteers.

Check your compensation (AirHelp)Check your flight claim (Compensair)

Airlines sell more seats than they have, expecting no-shows. When everyone turns up, someone gets bumped.

Volunteering

Airlines first ask for volunteers and offer vouchers or cash. Before you accept, ask: is the new flight confirmed, will they cover meals and a hotel, and does the voucher expire?

Involuntary denied boarding

U.S.: DOT rules require compensation based on the length of your delay and the ticket price, paid in cash or check if you ask, up to set limits that are adjusted for inflation.
EU/UK: the same fixed amounts as EU261/UK261 apply (€250–€600 / £220–£520), plus care and rerouting or refund.

Avoid being bumped

Check in early; the last to check in are often bumped first.
Have a seat assignment.

Put it to work

Check your compensation (AirHelp)Check your flight claim (Compensair)

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