---
title: "EU261 Denied Boarding Compensation 2026"
description: "EU261 and UK261 denied boarding compensation — when overbooking triggers EUR 250–600 or £220–520 bands, care duties and how EU rules differ from US DOT bump."
url: "https://travelshifu.com/guides/eu261-denied-boarding-compensation"
category: "Air Passenger Rights"
author: "Daniel Okafor"
date_published: "2026-08-08"
date_modified: "2026-08-08"
source: "TravelShifu"
---

# EU261 Denied Boarding Compensation 2026

EU261 and UK261 denied boarding compensation — when overbooking triggers EUR 250–600 or £220–520 bands, care duties and how EU rules differ from US DOT bump.

> Desk-researched August 2026. AirHelp may appear as a partner path on successful claims — we earn ~15% of their fee via Travelpayouts at no extra cost to you. DIY claims to airlines remain free.

## How much does EU261 pay for denied boarding?

When you are denied boarding against your will on a qualifying EU261 or UK261 flight — after the airline asked for volunteers — standardised compensation follows Article 7 distance bands: EUR 250, EUR 400 or EUR 600 (UK261: £220, £350 or £520), plus re-routing or refund and care.. Not for every traveller — confirm fit first.

Voluntary bumps are negotiated offers — you are not forced to accept a low voucher. Involuntary denied boarding after you complied with check-in and documentation rules triggers the statutory path.

US itineraries: [US DOT denied boarding compensation](/guides/us-dot-denied-boarding-compensation).

## What must the airline do before bumping you?

EU261 requires the airline to call for volunteers first. If too few volunteer, involuntary denied boarding passengers are entitled to compensation, a choice of refund or re-routing, and care (meals, communication, hotel when overnight) under Articles 8 and 9. Get written confirmation of denied boarding at the gate. Photograph boarding passes and the gate screen.

Get written confirmation of denied boarding at the gate. Photograph boarding passes and the gate screen.

| Step | Airline duty | Your move |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Call for volunteers | Required before involuntary bump | Negotiate if volunteering |
| Involuntary bump | Article 7 compensation + Article 8/9 | Demand written confirmation |
| Re-route vs refund | Your choice | Pick usable travel |
| Care during wait | Meals/hotel when due | Keep receipts |

## Which EUR/GBP bands apply?

Article 7 sets EUR 250 (up to 1,500 km), EUR 400 (1,500–3,500 km and intra-EU over 1,500 km) and EUR 600 (over 3,500 km). UK261 uses £220, £350 and £520 at equivalent thresholds. 50% reduction can apply when re-routing arrives within specified windows — see [EU261 50% reduction rules](/guides/eu261-50-percent-reduction-rules).

Cite Regulation EC 261/2004 Article 4 (denied boarding) and Article 7 (amounts) in airline letters.

## EU261 denied boarding — verdict

Verdict: involuntary EU/UK bumps are among the clearest statutory claims — volunteers should negotiate above the statutory floor. Not for US domestic bumps that use DOT formulas instead. Framework checked August 2026 — verify operating carrier and departure airport for EU261 scope.

Framework checked August 2026 — verify operating carrier and departure airport for EU261 scope.

## EU denied boarding FAQ

Volunteers negotiate; involuntary passengers claim Article 7 bands plus re-routing or refund. Keep gate evidence. Late to gate? Protection weakens if you missed check-in or boarding deadlines. AirHelp? Option if the airline stalls — success fee applies. Verify the official source on your dates before you commit money, points or irreversible transfers.

**Late to gate?** Protection weakens if you missed check-in or boarding deadlines.

**AirHelp?** Option if the airline stalls — success fee applies.

---

Canonical HTML: https://travelshifu.com/guides/eu261-denied-boarding-compensation
Last modified: 2026-08-08