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Usually yes, if you did not volunteer

Am I eligible for compensation if I was denied boarding?

By Emma Walsh Updated 8 July 2026 4 min read
Quick Answer

If you had a valid, confirmed booking, checked in on time, and were refused boarding involuntarily — most commonly because the flight was overbooked — you are entitled to the same fixed UK261 compensation as a long delay (£220–£520), plus your choice of refund or re-routing, and care while you wait.

Legal basis: UK261 (The Air Passenger Rights and Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019), Article 4.

You likely ARE eligible if…

  • You had a valid ticket and checked in by the deadline
  • The airline refused to let you board, typically due to overbooking
  • You did not agree to give up your seat for compensation offered at the gate
  • Your flight departed a UK airport, or arrived in the UK/EU on a UK or EU airline

You likely are NOT eligible if…

  • You volunteered to give up your seat and accepted an offer (vouchers, a later flight) before boarding closed
  • You arrived late or failed to meet check-in/boarding deadlines
  • You were refused boarding for a valid safety, health, or documentation reason (e.g. an invalid passport or visa)

What you're owed

  • Fixed compensation: £220 (up to 1,500 km), £350 (1,500–3,500 km), or £260–£520 (over 3,500 km)
  • Your choice of a full refund of the unused ticket, or re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity
  • Care while you wait: meals, refreshments, and — if an overnight delay is unavoidable — hotel accommodation and transfers

If you believe you're eligible, use our free Denied Boarding Compensation Claim Letter to make your claim.

Read the full guide on this topic →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?

If the airline asks for volunteers and you accept an offer before boarding closes, that is voluntary — you negotiate your own terms and may waive statutory compensation. If you are refused a seat without agreeing to give it up, that is involuntary denied boarding, and the fixed UK261 tiers apply.

Am I still owed compensation if the airline found me a later flight?

Yes. Re-routing does not cancel your entitlement to fixed compensation for involuntary denied boarding — it is separate from, and in addition to, your right to a refund or alternative flight.

This page sets out the general legal position and is not legal advice. Individual claims can turn on facts not covered here — FlightLogic does not guarantee any outcome.

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