Compensation for overbooked flights: Overview of passenger rights
When an airline decides to overbook a flight, it also undertakes to conscientiously manage any inconvenience caused to passengers. In the event of an overbooked flight resulting in the impossibility of boarding a passenger, it is imperative that it offers appropriate solutions, meeting its legal and ethical obligations. This assistance comes in several ways. Firstly, the company must provide immediate support to any affected passenger, which may include providing meals, accommodation, and means of transportation if necessary, particularly while awaiting a scheduled flight. substitution.
The company also has a duty to reaccommodate the passenger on the first available flight to their destination. In the event that such a flight is not quickly accessible, it must consider other alternatives, such as booking with another carrier. If these options are not feasible or if the passenger decides not to continue their journey after the incident, a full refund of the ticket is required.
Compensation for overbooked flights: A major step forward in the protection of air passengers
European regulations, specifically Law 261/2004 EC, represent an essential legal framework regarding air passenger rights. This legislation requires European airlines or carriers operating in the skies of the European Union to pay compensation to passengers in the event of major disruptions to their travel, such as significant delays, flight cancellations or overbooking. The objective of this law is to guarantee fair compensation for inconvenience suffered, thus establishing a balance between the economic interests of airlines and the rights of travelers.
Calculation of compensation for overbooked flights
In accordance with established regulatory rules, passengers benefit from monetary compensation adjusted according to the length of the journey and the delay time experienced:
- 250 euros : Awarded for short flights, the distance of which is less than 1500 kilometers.
- 400 euros : This compensation is intended for passengers traveling on medium-distance routes, typically those between 1500 and 3500 kilometers.
- 600 euros : This amount is allocated for long-haul flights, which exceed 3,500 kilometers.
What if the passenger volunteers not to board ?
Compensation for passengers in the context of overbooking of flights, in accordance with European regulations, is a right granted to them regardless of their decision to voluntarily give up their seat. Indeed, even if a passenger agrees to give up their seat on an overbooked flight, whether in response to a reward from the airline or by personal choice, they remain eligible for compensation. This provision is essential to ensure that passengers’ rights are respected and to prevent potential abuse of the practice of overbooking.
In this context, the carrier in question is required to provide the passenger with financial compensation, calculated according to the scale established by the directive.
In addition, the airline must also offer alternative solutions for rerouting the passenger to their final destination, such as reserving on an upcoming flight or a flight of another airline, as well as adequate support services during the flight. ‘waiting.
Claim compensation for overbooking on a plane? Prove it first
Establishing proof of overbooking can be complex. Passengers who are denied boarding are advised to ask their airline for official confirmation, such as a certificate of denied boarding or a written document justifying the reason for the denial.
It is important to emphasize that a passenger wishing to assert their rights in such a situation must meet certain conditions : they must hold a valid identity document – an identity document for internal journeys or within the European Union, or a passport for international flights – the details of which match those mentioned on the ticket. Additionally, it is essential to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours ahead of the scheduled departure time to meet boarding procedures.