What happens if your flight is overbooked

Note that there are no parameters as to what benefits the airline should offer. If you don't volunteer, or can't agree 'benefits' with the airline, and you're denied boarding, you have the same entitlement to assistance and compensation as you'd have if your flight was cancelled.

The only difference is that you're entitled to the compensation straight away. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of , including those best for:. Volunteer to get bumped. File a trip delay insurance claim. American Express. Terms apply. Bank of America. Nerdy tip: Different card providers have different criteria for when trip delay coverage can kick in.

Be sure to educate yourself on your policy so you can manage expectations for reimbursement. When do passengers receive compensation for overbooked flight? How do I apply for compensation if my flight is overbooked? Which rights do I have at the airport when my flight is overbooked? How to protect my rights on a future flight? Checklist: Your rights in case of flight overbooking.

Your Rights : Ticket Refund. Flight Delay Compensation. Flight Cancellation. Missed Connecting Flights. EU Regulation. Flight Overbooking. Air Passenger Rights after Brexit. Bad Weather. Get confirmation in writing from the airline that your flight booking was changed and the reasons why Collect proof: Photos, receipts documenting any expenses incurred, tickets, vouchers etc. Insist on receiving food and refreshments at the airport Make use of our expertise and use our compensation calculator.

Check your claim in 2 minutes. Check now for free. For the former, U. As for EC , it covers travelers who are flying to Europe on an EU airline, or out of Europe on any airline, and travelers can claim compensation up to three years after a flight disruption, he says. Ben Mutzabaugh, senior aviation editor at The Points Guy , agrees about making sure you get compensated fairly.

Nielsen suggests asking the airline why you are not able to board your flight. However, Nielsen says you may want to first weigh the pluses and minuses before giving up your seat.