Compensation for denied boarding and overbooking
Airlines sometimes sell more seats than the aircraft has. If you were left behind without volunteering, compensation is owed to you on the spot.
What denied boarding means
Boarding is denied when you have a confirmed booking, checked in on time, hold valid documents and are still not allowed on board. The usual reason is overbooking, but the rule also applies when the airline swaps in a smaller aircraft.
Voluntary or against your will
Before refusing anyone, the airline must ask for volunteers who give up their seat in exchange for agreed benefits. If you volunteered, you get what you agreed, not the fixed compensation. If you were refused without agreeing, you get the fixed compensation, the choice of a refund or an alternative flight, and assistance.
How much you get
| Flight distance | Compensation per passenger |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 |
| 1,500 to 3,500 km, or any flight within the EU over 1,500 km | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km, departing from or arriving outside the EU | €600 |
The airline may only halve the amount if it offers an alternative flight arriving no more than 2 hours later (flights up to 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km).
Examples from Romanian airports
| Route (example) | Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Timișoara – Munich | 776 km | €250 |
| Iași – Rome Fiumicino | 1,356 km | €250 |
| Timișoara – London Luton | 1,717 km | €400 |
| Bucharest – Dublin | 2,530 km | €400 |
The examples show the straight-line distance between airports, not the airline's current timetable. We work out the exact distance for your flight when you check it.
When you are not entitled
No compensation is due if you were refused for reasons to do with you: arriving late at the gate, not holding valid travel documents, or health or security reasons.
What documents you need
- your boarding pass or booking confirmation;
- an identity document, for the assignment agreement you sign online;
- if you have them, any messages from the airline about the delay or cancellation.
How long you have to claim
In Romania you can usually claim up to 3 years after the flight. Even if the flight was two years ago, it is worth checking.
How Jet Claim helps
Check your flight for free in two minutes and sign online. We handle the correspondence with the airline, the complaint to the authority and, if needed, court. Our fee is 25% + VAT of the amount recovered, deducted only if you get paid. Every situation is explained on the passenger rights page.
Frequently asked questions
I was told at the gate that the flight was full, even though I had checked in. What do I do?
Ask for the reason in writing and keep your boarding pass. If you did not volunteer, you are owed the fixed compensation and the airline must pay it without you having to prove anything else.
I accepted a later flight and a voucher at the gate. Can I still claim?
If you gave up your seat voluntarily in exchange for the benefits offered, the fixed compensation is no longer due. If you were presented with a done deal and signed under pressure, it can be challenged; send us the documents you received.
Can I claim for a flight from two years ago?
Yes. In Romania the time limit is usually 3 years from the date of the flight. All you need is the flight details and your booking.