01
Volunteers agree a deal
Airlines normally ask for volunteers before denying boarding involuntarily. A volunteer negotiates benefits and transport arrangements with the airline. Read the voucher or payment terms before accepting because the deal can replace parts of the statutory remedy.
02
Involuntary denial can trigger fixed rights
A passenger who presented on time with a confirmed reservation and valid travel documents, but is denied boarding for overbooking or operational reasons without volunteering, may be entitled to fixed compensation, care and a choice of reimbursement or re-routing under the applicable UK or EU scheme.
03
Reasonable grounds are different
Health, safety, security and missing travel documents can justify refusal and may remove denied-boarding compensation. Ask the airline to identify the exact ground and preserve the evidence. Disputes about documentation or conduct are fact-sensitive.
04
Keep the baggage plan attached to the transport plan
If the bag was accepted before boarding was refused, ask for it to be offloaded, returned or re-tagged to the replacement service. Report it immediately if it is not returned or does not reach the re-routed destination.