Denied Boarding Compensation in the UK: How to Claim up to £520 (€600) in 2026

 

If you were involuntarily denied boarding on a flight departing the UK or EU, you may be owed between £220–£520 (€250–€600) under UK261 and EU261. You qualify when you had a confirmed booking, checked in on time, and the airline bumped you, usually because of overbooking. SkyRefund claims it for you on a no-win, no-fee basis, with a 35% fee charged only if you win. Check your compensation in 2 minutes.

 

 

What is Denied Boarding?

Denied boarding happens when an airline refuses to let you board a flight you have a confirmed ticket for, even though you checked in on time and were ready to fly. It most often follows overbooking, where the airline sells more seats than the aircraft holds and bets on no-shows. When too many passengers turn up, some are left behind.

Less common causes include a smaller replacement aircraft, weight restrictions, and operational or security issues. Whatever the reason, if the airline was at fault and you did not volunteer, you are likely entitled to compensation.

This is now settled law. In Finnair Oyj v Lassooy (C-22/11, 2012), the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that “denied boarding” under Article 4 covers not just overbooking but also operational reasons, such as re-seating passengers from an earlier disrupted flight. The same reasoning was applied to a missed connection caused by the airline in Rodríguez Cachafeiro v Iberia (C-321/11, 2012).

 

Are you eligible for denied boarding compensation?

You can claim compensation for denied boarding if all the following are true:

• You had a confirmed booking on the flight.
• You checked in and arrived at the gate on time. Under the regulation, that means presenting at check-in by the time the airline states, or, if no time is given, at least 45 minutes before departure.
• You were denied boarding involuntarily, not as a volunteer.
• Your flight departed a UK or EU airport, or arrived in the UK or EU on a UK or EU airline, bringing it under UK261 or EU261.
• The reason was within the airline’s control (not a permitted ground under Article 4, such as inadequate travel documents, or a health, safety or security risk).

Example: you fly from London to Madrid, arrive at the gate on time with a valid boarding pass, and the airline bumps you because the flight is overbooked. As long as you did not volunteer, you are almost certainly owed compensation under EU261.

 

How much compensation for denied boarding?

Compensation for involuntary denied boarding is a flat amount set by Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EU261) and its UK equivalent, the UK Air Passenger Rights Regulation (UK261). It is based on the distance of your flight, not the price of your ticket, and it is the same whether you flew economy or business.

3+ hours	Distance	Example flight
£220	Under 1,500 km	London → Paris (343 km)
£350	1,500 – 3,500 km	Edinburg → Berlin (1,730 km)
£350	Over 3,500 km (in EU)	Lisbon → Stockholm (3,608 km)
£520	Over 3,500 km (departing EU)	Frankfurt → New York (6,202 km)

 

Note the long-haul split. Under Article 7(1)(b) of EU261, a flight between two EU airports is capped at £350 (€400) even when it exceeds 3,500 km, which is why Helsinki to Gran Canaria pays £350 rather than £520. This intra-EU cap is an EU261 rule; under UK261, any flight over 3,500 km pays £520. In practice the full £520 (€600) applies to flights over 3,500 km between the UK or EU and a non-EU country.

Under Article 7(2), the airline can halve the amount if it re-routes you, and you reach your final destination within 2 hours of your original arrival time (short-haul), 3 hours (medium-haul) or 4 hours (long-haul).

 

How to claim denied boarding compensation

If the airline did not pay you at the airport, you can still file a claim afterwards. SkyRefund handles it in three steps:

 

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Confirm you were bumped involuntarily, had a valid ticket and checked in on time, and that the airline was at fault. Use the free SkyRefund calculator to see if your flight qualifies.

 

Step 2: Gather your documents

Collect your boarding pass, booking confirmation, any written denied-boarding notice, photos of airport screens or emails, and receipts for expenses you covered while waiting.

 

Step 3: Submit your claim

Upload your flight details to SkyRefund and our legal team takes over, dealing with the airline on your behalf and pursuing the claim in court if needed. Start your claim now.

 

Your other rights: refund, re-routing and care

Your air passenger rights under international laws extend beyond your entitlement to compensation. The airline is also required to provide practical support and refund/rerouting whenever you’re denied boarding. 

 

Refund or re-routing (Article 8)

When you are denied boarding, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund of your ticket and re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity. This is a separate entitlement and accepting it does not cancel your compensation.

 

Right to care (Article 9)

While you wait for an alternative flight, your right to care entitles you, free of charge, to:

• Meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time.
• Two free communications (phone call, email or text).
• Hotel accommodation if you have to wait overnight.
• Transport between the airport and the hotel.

Expert tip: if the airline does not arrange care, pay for reasonable essentials yourself and keep every receipt to claim the cost back later.

One related point: if you were denied your booked seat but flown in a lower class instead, that is a downgrade under Article 10, and you can reclaim 30–75% of your ticket price depending on the flight distance. It is a separate right from denied boarding compensation.

 

Missed connection after denied boarding

If being bumped made you miss a connecting flight on the same booking, your rights still apply to the journey as a whole. The CJEU confirmed in Rodríguez Cachafeiro v Iberia (C-321/11, 2012) that denied boarding includes connecting-flight cases caused by the airline. Compensation is then based on the distance to your final destination, not just the leg you were bumped from. Our full guide to missed connection compensation explains how this is calculated.

 

How are you paid, and how long does it take?

For involuntary denied boarding, Article 7(3) entitles you to be paid in cash or by bank transfer. An airline can only pay you in travel vouchers if you agree to that in writing. You never have to accept a voucher in place of cash compensation, so if one is offered, you can decline and insist on payment.

Timing varies. When an airline accepts a claim quickly, payment can arrive within a few weeks. When it disputes or ignores the claim, the process is longer, and cases that go to court can take several months.

In the denied boarding claims our legal team handles, the most common delay is an airline first trying to reclassify an involuntary bump as a voluntary one, which is why getting the reason in writing at the airport matters so much. SkyRefund pursues the claim end to end, including legal action where needed, and keeps you updated throughout.

 

Voluntary vs involuntary denied boarding

Before bumping anyone, the airline must ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for benefits such as vouchers, upgrades or rebooking. The distinction matters because only involuntary denied boarding triggers fixed compensation.

If you accept the airline’s offer, you are a volunteer, and you waive your right to UK261/EU261 compensation. The airline is not obliged to match the statutory amounts, so its offer is often worth far less than £520. If no one volunteers, and you are removed against your will, you keep your full rights.

Expert tip: ask the airline directly whether you are volunteering or being bumped involuntarily, and get the answer in writing. Frequent flyers in online communities stress the same point: never sign anything until you know which one it is.

 

Denied boarding on international flights

Even when you're flying to other parts of the world, you have passenger rights. What changes are the cases in which you can claim compensation. Below you'll find a summary of your rights in cases of denied boarding worldwide. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denied boarding on Canadian flights

Under Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) if you're involuntarily denied boarding on flights to, from and within Canada, you have a right to compensation. The amount you're entitled to, depends on the delay of arrival at your final destination. 

• Delay less than 6 hours: CA $900  (~£550)
• Delay between 6 and 9 hours: CA $1,800 (~£1,098)
• Delay over 9 hours: CA $2,400 (~£1,464)

 

Denied boarding on Turkish flights

All flights to, from and within Türkiye fall under SHY Passenger Regulation. If you're involuntarily denied boarding, you're entitled to compensation. The amount you can receive varies based on the distance of the flight. You can get compensation for domestic and international flights.

• Domestic flights: €100 (~£86)
• International flights less than 1,500 km: €250 (~£220)
• International flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: €400 (~£350)
• International flights more than 3,500 km: €600 (~£520)

 

Denied boarding on Brazilian flights

Flight departing from a Brazilian airport are protected under ANAC Resolution No. 400/2016.  You can claim compensation only in cases of involuntarily denied boarding such as due to overbooking. Compensation depends on the destination of the flight.

• Domestic flights: 250 SDR (~£265)
• International flights: 500 SDR (~£530)

 

Denied boarding on Saudi Arabian flights

All flights departing in Saudi Arabia or landing and being operated by a Saudi carrier fall under GACA Regulation. In case you're denied boarding you have the right to:

• Alternative flight: either with the same airline or a different one. If there's any difference in the cost of the ticket, the airline has to cover the difference
• Financial compensation: a refund of the (unused portion of) the ticket and 200% of the unused ticket value, if you decline the alternative flight

But if your alternative flight lands with a delay, you can claim flight delay compensation for it. 

 

When you cannot claim denied boarding compensation

You are not entitled to compensation if you volunteered to give up your seat, or if the airline had a permitted ground under Article 4 to refuse you, such as inadequate travel documents, arriving late at check-in or the gate, intoxication, or a health, safety or security risk.

Importantly, denied boarding is treated differently from delays and cancellations. Airlines often try to escape paying by citing extraordinary circumstances like weather or strikes. In Finnair v Lassooy (C-22/11, 2012), the CJEU confirmed that the extraordinary-circumstances defence does not exempt an airline from denied boarding compensation in the way it can for a cancelled flight. If you were bumped, do not accept “extraordinary circumstances” as a reason at face value.

 

What to do if you're denied boarding

Knowing your rights and what steps to take immediately increases your chances of getting the compensation and care you’re entitled to. Let’s discuss some tips that could go a long way in helping you in this scenario.

 

1. Ask why you’re being denied boarding

The first and most important step is to ask the airline representative for the exact reason why you're being denied boarding. Airlines must clearly state whether it’s due to overbooking, documentation issues, security, or another factor. This is crucial because your right to compensation depends on whether the denial was due to circumstances within the airline’s control.

 

2. Request an alternative flight

If you’re denied boarding, the airline is legally required to offer you the choice between a full refund or rerouting on the next available flight to your final destination. If you choose rerouting, make sure to ask:

• When the new flight departs
• Whether it qualifies you for additional compensation (the new flight must arrive at least 3+ hours later than the original schedule for you to be eligible)
• If the airline will provide care during the wait

 

3. Request compensation for your denied boarding

You are entitled to compensation under EU261/UK261 if you get denied boarding, and you meet the eligibility criteria. Therefore, you are entitled to:

• A written statement from the airline explaining your rights
• Immediate payment (though this is rarely offered upfront)

 

4. Ask the airline to cover your meals and drinks

Under EU laws, the airline is obliged to provide meals and refreshments, accommodation (if overnight), communications, and transport. Do not be afraid to ask directly if they don’t offer this voluntarily. And remember that if you pay out of pocket, you are entitled to claim reimbursement later.

 

5. Keep your receipts

Keeping all receipts is of the utmost importance if you end up spending money on essentials while waiting for your next flight. These receipts can make the difference when you submit your claim for compensation or reimbursement later. However, airlines will only compensate for reasonable expenses. These may include:

• Meals
• Transport
• Hotel stays
• Necessities for overnight stays

 

6. Save your boarding pass and flight documents

Your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline (emails, texts, denial notices) are essential for filing a claim. With their help, you can prove:

• You had a valid reservation
• You arrived and checked in on time
• You were denied boarding against your will

Expert Tip: Take photos of all physical documents in case you lose them.

 

What the 2026 EU261 reform changes for denied boarding

In June 2026, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement to reform EU261. It is not yet law: a final Parliament vote is expected in July 2026, and the new rules are expected to take effect in the second half of 2027 after a transition period, so everything described above still applies to any claim you make today. The reform keeps the existing £220–£520 (€250–€600) compensation bands for denied boarding, but adds several measures in your favour.

The headline change is a ban on “no-show” clauses: an airline will no longer be able to deny you boarding on your return or onward flight just because you did not use an earlier leg of the same ticket, and if it does, you must be compensated as for any other involuntary denial.

Airlines will also have to provide your Article 8 re-routing or refund and Article 9 care immediately, give you a pre-filled compensation form when a denial may be compensable, and pay compensation within 7 working days of your request.

The reform also writes a standardised list of extraordinary circumstances into EU261 to reduce arguments over when a refusal is fair. UK261 is not changed by the EU reform, though the UK may review its own rules separately.

 

How Can SkyRefund Help?

SkyRefund specializes in helping passengers claim overbooked flight compensation, while we also cover delays and cancellations. From filing your claim to taking legal action if needed, our team handles everything.

Whether the airline ignored your request or offered less than what you're owed, our experts will ensure you get the full compensation you deserve under the law. Our service is 100% no-win, no-fee, meaning you pay nothing upfront. If you’ve been denied boarding on an overbooked flight against your will within the last 6 years, submit your claim for compensation today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We've broken down some of the common questions we get about denied boarding compensation to make the process easier. 

 

Do I get compensation for denied boarding?

Yes, if you were denied boarding involuntarily. Because the airline is at fault for bumping you, you are owed between £220 and £520 (€250–€600) under UK261 and EU261, depending on the flight distance. Volunteers who give up their seat are not entitled to this fixed compensation.

 

What is the maximum denied boarding compensation?

The maximum under UK261 and EU261 is £520 (€600), for flights over 3,500 km between the UK/EU and a non-EU country. Under EU261, a flight between two EU airports is capped at £350 (€400) even when it exceeds 3,500 km; UK261 has no such cap.

 

How is denied boarding compensation calculated?

It is a flat amount based on your flight distance, not your ticket price: £220 (€250) up to 1,500 km, £350 (€400) for 1,500–3,500 km, and £520 (€600) for over 3,500 km outside the UK/EU. The airline may halve it if it re-routes you, and you arrive within a few hours of your original time (Article 7(2)).

 

Who gets bumped first on an overbooked flight?

Airlines usually bump passengers on the cheapest fares, those who checked in last, and those with the lowest frequent-flyer status. Solo travellers are also more likely to be selected. The airline must always call for volunteers before bumping anyone involuntarily.

 

How will I be paid, in cash or vouchers?

For involuntary denied boarding you are entitled to be paid in cash or by bank transfer under Article 7(3). An airline can only pay you in vouchers if you agree to that in writing, so you can always decline a voucher and insist on cash compensation.

 

How long does a denied boarding claim take?

It depends on the airline. A claim the airline accepts can be paid within a few weeks; a disputed claim takes longer, and cases that go to court can run to several months. SkyRefund handles the entire process, including legal action where needed, and keeps you updated throughout.

 

Is denied boarding compensation taxable?

In the UK, statutory flight compensation is generally treated as compensation for inconvenience rather than taxable income, so most passengers are not taxed on it. Tax treatment can depend on your personal circumstances, so check with a tax adviser if you are unsure.

 

Can I claim for my whole family or for my children?

Yes. Each passenger on the booking who was denied boarding has their own right to compensation, including children. Add everyone as passengers on the claim. If the only passenger is a child under 18, a parent or legal guardian should submit the claim on their behalf.

 

Do I need a lawyer to claim?

No. You can start a claim yourself for free, and you do not need a lawyer. But because airlines often dispute or ignore valid claims, many passengers prefer a service like SkyRefund, which handles the legal side, including court action if required, on a no-win, no-fee basis.

 

What if I volunteered to give up my seat?

If you accepted the airline’s offer, you waived your right to fixed UK261/EU261 compensation. The airline’s benefits (vouchers, miles, or cash) are negotiable and are not required to match the statutory amounts, so weigh them carefully before agreeing.

 

Can I claim if I was late to the gate or had invalid documents?

No. You are not entitled to compensation if you arrived late at check-in or the gate, or if you were refused boarding because of an invalid passport or visa. Timely arrival and complete travel documents are conditions of eligibility.

 

Can the airline avoid paying by blaming extraordinary circumstances?

Usually not. Unlike cancellations, denied boarding compensation is not generally excused by extraordinary circumstances such as weather or strikes. The CJEU confirmed this in Finnair v Lassooy (C-22/11, 2012). If you were bumped, do not accept this as a reason without checking.

 

What if the airline refuses to pay?

If the airline ignores or rejects a valid claim, a flight compensation company like SkyRefund can take over, including legal action if needed. We handle the entire process so you do not have to argue with the airline yourself.

 

How long do I have to claim?

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland you have 6 years to claim; in Scotland the limit is 5 years. Time limits vary for international routes, so it is best to submit your claim as soon as possible.

 

Sources

• Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EUR-Lex)
• UK261 – Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• CJEU, Finnair Oyj v Lassooy (C-22/11, 2012) – EUR-Lex
• CJEU, Rodríguez Cachafeiro v Iberia (C-321/11, 2012)

 

Reviewed by Darina Kovacheva, Head of Legal at SkyRefund

Last reviewed: 24 June 2026