What steps should I take if I am unable to fly due to overbooking at the airport?
June 11, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Sophia Breitwieser
Dear travel lawyer,
My name is Johann Klett and I recently booked a flight that unfortunately did not go as planned. During check-in at the airport, I was informed that the flight was overbooked and therefore I could not board. I was shocked and confused, as I had carefully planned my entire trip and now face an unexpected problem.
I am now wondering what steps I should take in this situation. How can I get a refund? What rights do I have as a passenger in such a case? Should I contact the airline directly or are there specific institutions that can help me?
I am very worried about my trip and my financial situation. Therefore, it would be of great importance to me to find a solution to this problem as soon as possible. I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and support.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Johann Klett
Dear Mr. Klett,
I am sorry to hear that your flight did not go as planned and that you are facing an unexpected problem. In such cases, it is important that you know your rights as a passenger and how to proceed to claim a refund and possibly receive compensation.
First of all, it is important to mention that airlines in the EU are required to pay compensation to passengers who are unable to fly due to overbooking or flight cancellations. This compensation may vary depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay, but usually ranges between 125 and 600 euros.
So, if you are informed at the airport check-in that the flight is overbooked and you cannot fly, you should immediately approach the airline staff and request alternative transportation. If no alternatives are offered, you have the right to a compensation payment.
To claim your refund and receive compensation, I recommend contacting the airline directly and putting your request in writing. You can refer to your rights as a passenger under EU Regulation 261/2004 and ask for appropriate compensation.
If the airline does not respond to your request or does not pay appropriate compensation, you can contact special institutions such as the Public Transport Ombudsman (SÖP) or the Air Transport Ombudsman. These institutions can help you reach an out-of-court settlement with the airline.
In any case, I advise you to keep all relevant documents such as your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any correspondence with the airline carefully, as these can serve as evidence in case of a legal dispute.
I hope that my information helps you and that you receive your refund and appropriate compensation for the inconvenience. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Sophia Breitwieser
