What to do if you’re denied boarding

What to do if you’re denied boarding is a question faced by thousands of passengers around the world every year. The reasons can vary: overbooking, missing the check-in deadline, issues with travel documents, or airline policies. In such a situation, it’s important not to panic and to take a systematic approach. In many cases, passengers are entitled to compensation, a free rebooking of their ticket, or assistance from the airline.

Below is a step-by-step guide on what to do if you are denied boarding and how to protect your rights whilst travelling.

Why you might be denied boarding

There can be several reasons why a passenger may be denied boarding. The most common are:

• being late for check-in or boarding;
• the flight being overbooked;
• errors in documents;
• lack of the necessary visa;
• breaches of baggage transport rules;
• changes to entry rules for the country.

Before travelling, you should always check the airline’s current rules and the destination country’s requirements via official sources, such as the IATA Travel Centre.

What to do if you are denied boarding at the airport

1Find out the exact reason for the refusal

The first thing to do if you are denied boarding is to clarify the official reason for the refusal with an airline representative.

Ask for:

• a written explanation;
• confirmation of the denied boarding;
• information on next steps.

This may be required for compensation or to lodge a complaint.

2Do not accept the first option straight away

If the reason is overbooking, the airline often offers the first available flight. However, the passenger has the right to ask:

• whether there are alternative routes;
• the possibility of a flight with another airline;
• compensation;
• accommodation or meals in the event of a long wait.

This is particularly relevant for international flights or connecting routes.

3Keep all documents

If you were denied boarding, be sure to keep:

• your boarding pass;
• your ticket;
• receipts;
• correspondence with the airline;
• photos of the departure board or flight notifications.

You may need these documents for a refund or an insurance claim.

4Are you entitled to compensation?

In many cases, passengers are entitled to compensation, particularly if the flight is overbooked or cancelled by the airline.

The amount of compensation depends on:

• the country of departure;
• the airline’s rules;
• the flight distance;
• the reason for denied boarding.

For flights within the EU, Regulation (EC) No 261 may apply, which provides for compensation for passengers in certain situations. Full terms and conditions can be viewed on Your Europe.

How to avoid being denied boarding

To minimise the risks, you should:

• arrive at the airport in good time;
• check in online;
• check your documents before departure;
• check the baggage rules;
• keep an eye on flight changes;
• have travel insurance.

It is also advisable to check the country’s entry requirements before purchasing tickets.

Conclusion

If you are denied boarding, the most important thing is not to panic and to quickly find out the reason for the situation. In many cases, the problem can be resolved without losing your ticket entirely or incurring additional costs. Preparing for your trip and paying attention to details can significantly reduce the risk of such situations during flights.

And if you’re planning a trip and want to avoid flight-related issues, the Persey Travel team will help you choose the best route, check the flight conditions and prepare for your trip without unnecessary stress. Fill in the feedback form – and we’ll help you organise your trip as comfortably as possible and without any unpleasant surprises.