What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?

If the airline asks for volunteers and you accept an offer (vouchers, a later flight, etc.) before boarding closes, that is voluntary — you negotiate your own terms and may have waived statutory compensation. If you are refused a seat without agreeing to give it up, that is involuntary denied boarding, and this letter applies.

Am I still entitled to compensation if the airline rebooked me on a later flight?

Rerouting does not automatically remove fixed compensation for qualifying involuntary denied boarding, but its arrival timing can permit a 50% reduction. Refund, rerouting and care rights remain separate.

Denied Boarding Compensation Claim Letter

For flight disruption, start with the compensation checker. Its result can prepare a letter with the relevant conditions and evidence.

Who can use this letter

You held a confirmed booking and met check-in and boarding conditions with valid documents
You were refused a seat involuntarily rather than agreeing to volunteer
The flight departed the UK on any airline, arrived in the UK on a UK/EU airline, or arrived in the EU on a UK airline
The refusal was not justified by document, health or safety grounds; disputed refusals need individual review

Before you send it

Confirm whether you volunteered and what benefits you agreed with the airline.
Record original and replacement arrival times; rerouting can allow a 50% reduction.
Record the refund or replacement travel chosen and any benefits already received.
Keep booking, boarding evidence, airline messages and reasonable receipts.

From assessment to action

Prepare a letter from your result

Start with the compensation checker to carry your assessment here. You can also use the blank template below.

The template

Fill in every [BRACKETED] field with your own details before sending — do not send this letter with placeholders still in it.

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR CONTACT DETAILS]

To: [OPERATING AIRLINE] Customer Relations
Date: [DATE SENT]
Subject: UK261 disruption enquiry

Flight: [FLIGHT NUMBER] on [FLIGHT DATE]
Route: [DEPARTURE TO FINAL DESTINATION]
Booking reference: [ADD PRIVATELY BEFORE SENDING]

Dear Customer Relations,

I am contacting you about denied boarding on the booking above.
Please confirm the relevant arrival and replacement-flight timings.

Please assess my rights under UK261. I am not asserting a fixed amount at this stage. Please confirm the relevant timings, explain the disruption and provide the evidence supporting any reason for refusing compensation.

Please also assess any separate refund or reasonable care expenses shown in my attachments. These are separate from fixed compensation and I have not included them in the figure above. I will identify any refund, replacement travel or other benefits already received.

If you rely on extraordinary circumstances, please explain the specific event and the reasonable measures taken. If you reject my request, please provide a written final response and details of the relevant escalation route.

I prefer any monetary compensation by bank transfer or cheque; please provide a secure way to supply payment details. I have not agreed to accept a travel voucher instead.

Yours faithfully,
[YOUR NAME]

Attachments to check before sending:
- Booking confirmation and passenger names
- Original itinerary and replacement-flight offer
- Airline messages and recorded arrival time
- Receipts for any separately claimed expenses

[REMOVE THIS NOTE: Check every statement, replace all square-bracket placeholders, and remove any request that does not apply. FlightLogic does not send this letter or guarantee eligibility.]

How to send it

Send to the operating airline's customer relations team, referencing the booking made at check-in, not just the original reservation.
Attach a photo of your original boarding pass or check-in confirmation if you have one.
Attach receipts for any meals, transport, or accommodation you paid for yourself.

If you don't get a response

Use the operating airline’s complaints process first. After a final rejection or eight weeks without a final response, check the current CAA route for that airline and any ADR fee conditions.

This template is provided for information only and is not legal advice. FlightLogic is not a law firm and does not guarantee any outcome from using this letter — always check the facts of your own situation and adapt the wording accordingly.