Denied boarding can be an annoying experience that can happen to any of us. It happens when airlines refuse to allow passengers to board a flight, despite having a valid ticket and checking in on time. In this situation, passengers can be entitled to compensation. In this blog, we will discuss, How to claim compensation for denied boarding?
First, it is very important to know the reason for the airlines to deny boarding of a passenger. The most common and foremost reason is airlines often overbook their flights. That means they sell more tickets than seats available on flights. The reason is the no-show rate, they compensate the passengers who don’t turn up to the flight by overbooking the flight. But when all the passengers show up, airlines might have to deny boarding to a couple of passengers.
Another reason can be passengers are not met the requirements to fly. As in a passenger might not carry the required documents to board the flight. For example, a passenger might not have the right visa or travel document to the destination. Also in some cases, they might not meet the health requirements. Even in these cases, airlines deny flight boarding.
Supposedly you have been denied boarding, your very first step should be to ask the reason for denial. The airlines must have a clear and factual reason. If the reason is overlooked the airlines must provide some alternative class or flight. Or the airlines must give a complete refund. In addition, the passengers can also be entitled to compensation.
The amount of compensation depends on the reason for denied boarding. According to the European Law Union, passengers are entitled to compensation if they are denied boarding a flight due to overbooking or cancellation. The amount of compensation ranges from 250 to 600 euros, depending on the flight distance.
To Claim compensation, passengers should contact the airlines as soon as possible. Then the airlines will provide a claim form, which the passenger should fill in and submit. The airlines may also ask for additional documentation such as the original ticket, boarding pass, and identification.
If the airline does not respond to the claims or deny the claim, the passengers can seek help from the national enforcement body. The national enforcement body is responsible for enforcing passengers’ rights under EU law. Passengers are supposed to provide proper documentation and necessary information to the national enforcement body to support their claims.
Passengers are also advised to keep a record of every conversation they have with the airlines and the national enforcement body. Keep a record of the emails, texts, letters, or phone calls. This information is very important in case there is any dispute over the claim.
Keep in note that the compensation for denied boarding does not include the expenses incurred by the passengers such as food, accommodation, and travel. However, the airline is responsible to provide this basic assistance until the passenger is sent to an alternate flight.
Conclusion
Denied boarding is indeed a frustrating experience. And passengers who experience denied boarding can be entitled to compensation depending on the reason. How to claim compensation for denied boarding? Passengers should first the reason for denied boarding and contact the airlines as soon as possible to claim compensation.
Passengers should also be aware of their rights under the Montreal Convention (an international treaty that covers all the damages caused by the airlines). Keep a record of your conversation. By knowing how to claim compensation for denied boarding, passengers can protect their rights and ensure they receive their entitled compensation.