Q.  To what compensation am I entitled if I am denied boarding to a flight?

16.06.08

If you have confirmed your reservation and arrived at check-in on time you can sometimes still be refused boarding on a flight even though you have a valid ticket. This can happen when airlines sell more tickets for a scheduled flight than there are seats available because they expect that some passengers will not show up.

In this situation you are entitled to compensation under European law. The airline must give you: A choice of either a refund of your ticket (with a free flight back to your initial point of departure when relevant), or alternative transport to your final destination, and (depending on the length of the delay) necessary meals, accommodation, transport, two free telephone calls, telex/fax messages, or e-mails.

In addition, you are entitled to compensation totalling: €250 for flights of 1,500 km or less; €400 for longer flights within the EU and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km; €600 for flights over 3,500 km outside the EU. These amounts may be reduced by 50% if the alternative transport offered allows you to arrive at your final destination within certain time limits.

If you have a complaint about denied boarding and compensation for overbooked flights, first contact your airline. If you believe your passenger rights under EU legislation have been breached, you should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation, telephone (01) 661 1700; website: www.aviationreg.ie .

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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