Emmanuel
Content Quality Lead at Gyro
February 22, 2026

Compensation Eligibility Breakdown

Not all disruptions are treated equally. Here's what determines your claim.
Involuntary denied boarding (EU)
€250-€600 immediately. No delay threshold needed.
Voluntary — you accepted the offer
Whatever you negotiated is your compensation. No further statutory claims.
Involuntary denied boarding (US)
200-400% of fare (max $1,550). Must be paid at the airport in cash/check.

Can You Get Compensation?

Overbooking is legal — airlines sell more seats than exist, counting on no-shows. Involuntary bumping triggers mandatory compensation — no delay threshold needed.

Under US DOT rules, airlines must pay immediately at the airport in cash or check. Not a voucher. Under EC261: €250-€600 based on route distance.

Airlines must first ask for volunteers. Only if there are not enough volunteers can they deny boarding involuntarily.

Get written confirmation that your denied boarding was involuntary before leaving the airport. This is essential for your claim.

Flight affected?

Check if you're owed up to €600. Just $19, keep 100%.
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Article sources

Gyro writers are subject matter experts in passenger rights who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including EU regulations, government publications, court rulings, and airline policies. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance.

  1. EU Regulation EC 261/2004
  2. US DOT — Denied boarding compensation rules
Emmanuel
Content Quality Lead at Gyro
Marcus Chen is a passenger rights specialist with expertise in EU261 regulations and airline disruption analysis.

Frequently Asked
Questions

What happens if I get bumped from my flight?

If involuntary: immediate compensation (€250-€600 EU, up to $1,550 US) plus rebooking on next available flight or full refund. If voluntary: whatever you negotiated.

How much do I get paid if I'm involuntarily bumped?

EU: €250-€600 by distance. US: 200% fare (max $775) for 1-2 hour rebooking, 400% fare (max $1,550) for 2+ hours.

Does the airline have to pay me at the airport?

Does the airline have to pay me at the airport?

What if I voluntarily gave up my seat?

You negotiate freely with the airline. Whatever you agreed to is your compensation. No further statutory claims apply.

Can I still claim if I accepted the airline's bumping offer?

If you volunteered, the offer you accepted is your compensation. If you were involuntarily bumped, statutory compensation applies regardless of any offer.

Is overbooking illegal?

Overbooking is legal. Involuntary denied boarding is not illegal either — but it triggers mandatory compensation. Airlines must pay, not just apologize.

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