Every year, millions of airline passengers are denied boarding even though they checked in on time, had a valid ticket, and did everything right. Most assume it's just bad luck.

It isn't.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, denied boarding is a legally defined event, and in many cases, it triggers a cash compensation of up to €600 per passenger.

Yet the majority of travellers never claim it.

Here's why that matters.

What "Denied Boarding" Really Means (Legally)

Denied boarding occurs when an airline refuses to let you board against your will, despite:

  • a confirmed booking
  • timely check-in
  • punctual arrival at the gate

The most common reason is overbooking. Airlines intentionally sell more tickets than seats, betting on no-shows. When everyone turns up, someone gets left behind.

That "someone" often has a valid compensation claim.

How Much Is Denied Boarding Compensation?

EU law sets fixed compensation amounts, independent of ticket price:

  • €250 — flights up to 1,500 km
  • €400 — flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km (and most intra-EU flights)
  • €600 — flights over 3,500 km (outside the EU)

On top of that, airlines must offer:

  • meals and refreshments
  • hotel accommodation if necessary
  • transport to an alternative flight
  • a choice between refund or re-routing

This isn't goodwill. It's a legal obligation.

When Compensation Does Not Apply

Denied boarding does not qualify for compensation if the refusal is justified, for example due to:

  • missing travel documents (passport, visa)
  • security or health concerns
  • late arrival at check-in or the gate

Also important: If you voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for a voucher or miles, compensation rights usually lapse. Always read what you're signing.

Why Airlines Rarely Pay Without Resistance

From a business perspective, this is simple math.

If only a small percentage of passengers claim compensation, airlines save millions. Delays, rejections, and legal complexity are not accidents. They are part of the system.

That's why enforcement matters.

Turning Passenger Rights Into Real Money

This is where companies like MYFLYRIGHT operate.

Instead of passengers arguing with airlines for months, claims are:

  • legally assessed
  • enforced out of court or in court
  • handled on a no-win, no-fee basis

Technology, legal precedent, and scale change the power balance. For passengers, that often means the difference between giving up and getting paid.

The Bigger Picture

Denied boarding isn't just an inconvenience. It's a regulated market failure with clear legal consequences.

The law is settled. The money is real.

The only open question is whether passengers enforce their rights or leave them unused.

Most still don't.

And that's exactly why this topic matters.