Denied boarding on an overbooked flight: what to do and what to keep

You arrive on time with a confirmed ticket and are told the flight is full. This is called overbooking or denied boarding, and having an order of steps helps resolve the situation.

What to do at the moment

Ask for the cause and the alternative in writing

Ask whether it is denied boarding due to overbooking and what they offer: another flight, rebooking, accommodation or compensation. Ask for it in writing.

Your rights depend on the country

Compensation and assistance vary by the rules of the departure place and the airline. Check the regulation that applies to your flight.

What to keep to claim

Proof of your booking and that you showed up

Keep the ticket, the check-in confirmation and the time you arrived. They are key to showing you met the requirements.

A record of expenses

Keep receipts for meals, transfers or accommodation you have to pay for while you wait.

A simpler way to check your trip

Before you travel, you can check that your bookings match in dates and names by uploading them to AuditorTravel: it flags what doesn't add up with a traffic light (🟢 🟡 🔴).

You pay once per trip, it's not a subscription you have to remember to cancel.

👉 Check your booking for free at auditortravel.com.

AuditorTravel is an automated information tool; use it as a guide. The final decision is always yours.