Denied Boarding & Overbooking Compensation — 2025 Expert Guide
Being bumped from an oversold flight is one of the most frustrating airline experiences — but it’s also one of the few scenarios where compensation is almost guaranteed. In 2025, APPR, EU261, and U.S. DOT rules have very clear payout tables, and airlines often pay quickly once the claim is framed correctly.
Important: This guide summarizes published rules across 2024–2025. It’s general information, not legal advice. Always check your airline’s tariff and the latest regulator guidance.
1. What legally counts as “denied boarding”?
You are considered involuntarily denied boarding when:
- You had a confirmed reservation;
- You checked in on time;
- You arrived at the gate on time; and
- The airline refused to let you board because the flight was oversold or for operational reasons not caused by you.
Does NOT count: arriving late, missing documents, security issues, or voluntarily taking compensation to give up your seat.
2. APPR (Canada) denied boarding compensation
Canada’s rules have some of the strongest cash compensation in the world.
• 0–6 hours late → $900
• 6–9 hours late → $1,800
• 9+ hours late → $2,400
Additionally, the airline must provide:
- Meals and refreshments;
- Hotel accommodation if overnight;
- Transportation to/from the hotel;
- Rebooking on the next available flight — even on a competitor if it gets you there earlier.
3. EU261 rights (applies based on where you fly)
EU261 applies if your flight departed from the EU/EEA/UK or arrived there on an EU/EEA/UK carrier.
• Under 1,500 km → €250
• 1,500–3,500 km → €400
• Over 3,500 km → €600
Meal vouchers, hotel stays, and transportation may also apply depending on the delay length.
4. U.S. DOT denied boarding rules
U.S. regulations require airlines to pay compensation in cash or cheque — not vouchers — for involuntary bumping.
• 1–2 hr delay (domestic) → 200% of fare (max $775)
• 1–4 hr delay (intl) → 200% of fare (max $775)
• 2+ hr delay (domestic) → 400% of fare (max $1,550)
• 4+ hr delay (intl) → 400% of fare (max $1,550)
5. Evidence strategy (the airlines cannot ignore)
- Gate photos: departure board showing oversold, volunteer request signs, denial slips.
- Written confirmation: ask the agent to note “involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking.”
- Delay calculation: original vs actual arrival time.
- Receipts: meals, hotels, Uber — all reimbursable under APPR/EU261.
6. How airlines try to deny claims — and the counters
“You volunteered”
If you didn’t clearly agree, you were involuntarily denied boarding. State exactly that in writing.
“We can only offer vouchers”
Not true. Under APPR, EU261, and DOT, cash is mandatory unless you choose a voucher.
“You arrived late”
Your check-in time and boarding timestamp prove otherwise. Include screenshots or boarding-pass metadata.
7. Filing the claim (copy-paste template)
Submit through the airline’s complaint portal using wording like:
Attach your receipts, denial slip, boarding passes, and timeline.
8. Montreal Convention — when it also applies
For international itineraries, the Montreal Convention may allow additional recovery of:
- Hotel costs
- Meals
- Transportation
- Consequential losses (varies by jurisdiction)
Airlines may be liable up to roughly 1,288 SDR (~$2,000–$2,300 CAD depending on FX).
9. Expert tips to maximize payout
- Never take vouchers unless they are extra.
- Write down exact times — your payout tier depends on it.
- Keep all receipts in a single PDF.
- Escalate if the airline denies a clear APPR/EU261/DOT case.
10. Turn this into a clean claim file
With the ClaimPilot Denied Boarding Pack, you get:
- A structured timeline & evidence template
- Pre-written claim letters for APPR, EU261, and DOT
- Escalation templates if the airline lowballs you