---
title: "Denied Boarding Compensation Claim Letter | FlightLogic"
description: "If you were involuntarily denied boarding from a valid, confirmed booking — typically through overbooking — you are entitled to the same fixed UK261 tiers as a…"
url: https://flightlogic.co.uk/templates/denied-boarding-compensation-claim/
lastModified: 2026-07-08
source: FlightLogic (flightlogic.co.uk)
licence: "Content © Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd. Cite the URL above and the page author."
---

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# Denied Boarding Compensation Claim Letter

If you were involuntarily denied boarding from a valid, confirmed booking — typically through overbooking — you are entitled to the same fixed UK261 tiers as a long delay (£220–£520), plus a refund or re-routing and care while you wait. The claim letter and required details follow below.

## Who can use this letter

- ✓ You had a valid ticket and checked in on time, but were refused boarding due to overbooking
- ✓ You did not volunteer to give up your seat
- ✓ Your flight departed a UK airport, or arrived in the UK/EU on a UK or EU airline

## Before you send it

1. Confirm you were involuntarily denied boarding — if you accepted a voucher offer at the gate, you may have waived statutory compensation for that specific delay.
2. Note what the airline offered you at the airport (if anything) and whether you accepted it.
3. Decide whether you want a refund or re-routing to your final destination — you are entitled to choose.
4. Keep your original boarding pass or booking confirmation as proof you were checked in.

## The template

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

## 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

Follow the same escalation path as any UK261 claim: reply challenging a rejection with evidence, then escalate to the airline's ADR scheme (CEDR or Aviation ADR) or the CAA. Use our CEDR / Aviation ADR escalation letter if you need to take this further.

[UK261 Flight Delay & Cancellation Claim Letter](https://flightlogic.co.uk/templates/uk261-flight-delay-cancellation-claim/) · [CEDR / Aviation ADR Escalation Letter](https://flightlogic.co.uk/templates/cedr-aviation-adr-escalation-letter/)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### 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?

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

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.

Written by [Emma Walsh](https://flightlogic.co.uk/authors/emma-walsh/)

Editor, Hotels & Europe

Emma reviews boutique and independent hotels across Europe, alongside British Airways and Oneworld product reviews. She writes FlightLogic's Avios redemption guides.