What are my rights if I am denied boarding because the flight is overbooked?
On EU-departing or EU-carrier flights, involuntary denied boarding entitles you to €250–€600 cash compensation, a refund or re-routing, and duty-of-care (meals, hotel). In the US, the DOT sets compensation at 200–400% of the one-way fare (up to $1,550) for involuntary bumps.
Overbooking is legal but expensive for the airline when passengers do not volunteer. Refuse the voucher first — cash rights are stronger. In the EU, denied boarding compensation matches EU 261 delay bands (€250 up to 1,500 km, €400 up to 3,500 km, €600 above). In the US, involuntary bump compensation is regulated by 14 CFR 250: 200% of the one-way fare (max $775) if you reach your destination 1–2 hours late (domestic) or 1–4 hours (international), and 400% (max $1,550) beyond that. Keep the boarding pass and get the denied-boarding notice in writing before you leave the gate.
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Last verified 2026-07-29.