Denied boarding and overbooked flights: what you are owed
If you were bumped against your will, you are owed the same £220 to £520 as a cancellation, paid immediately, plus a refund or a replacement flight. Volunteering gives that up.
Volunteering is not the same as being bumped
An airline must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats, in exchange for whatever it offers.
Volunteering is a deal you have agreed to, so it replaces your right to fixed compensation. Only accept if the offer is worth more than the £220 to £520 you would otherwise be owed.
If nobody volunteers and you are denied boarding anyway, the fixed amounts apply and are payable straight away, not weeks later.
When the airline owes you nothing
Denied boarding compensation is only due if you had a confirmed booking, checked in on time, and were refused a seat for reasons that are the airline’s.
Nothing is due if you arrived after check-in closed, if your travel documents were not in order, or if you were refused on reasonable grounds of health, safety or conduct.
Common questions
How much is denied boarding compensation?
£220 to £520 per passenger under UK261 depending on distance, the same scale as a cancellation, and it is payable immediately rather than after a claim.
Should I volunteer to be bumped?
Only if what you are offered is worth more than the fixed compensation you would otherwise receive. Volunteering is an agreement, and it replaces that right.
Check your own flight
AirHelp will tell you whether a specific flight qualifies and handle the claim with the airline. TravelTrauma earns a commission if a claim succeeds, at no cost to you.
Check your claimMore guides
Last reviewed 2026-10-07. This explains the rules and is not legal advice; the circumstances of your flight may change what applies.