UK261 Denied Boarding Compensation
If an airline refused boarding on a UK261-covered flight even though you had a confirmed booking and followed the rules, you may be able to claim GBP 220, GBP 350, or GBP 520 per passenger.
Quick answer
UK261 denied boarding compensation is strongest when you were involuntarily refused boarding, checked in on time, had valid travel documents, and did not accept a voluntary seat-give-up agreement. Keep airport proof before the airline record becomes hard to reconstruct.
Confirm route coverage, airport facts, amount, and deadline before claiming.
UK261 Denied Boarding Amounts
| Flight distance | Fixed compensation |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | GBP 220 |
| 1,500-3,500 km | GBP 350 |
| Over 3,500 km | GBP 520 |
These fixed amounts are separate from rerouting, refund, meals, hotel, transport, and other care rights. Do not let an airport voucher blur the compensation claim.
The Facts That Decide The Claim
You had a confirmed booking
Keep the booking confirmation and ticket receipt.
You checked in and arrived at the gate on time
Keep boarding pass, app check-in record, bag-drop receipt, or witness notes.
You did not volunteer to give up the seat
Ask what was offered and whether any terms waived compensation.
The refusal was not your fault
Document that the airline did not cite documents, safety, security, late arrival, or conduct.
The route is covered by UK261
UK departures are covered on any airline; UK arrivals are covered on UK carriers.
Evidence To Collect At The Airport
- Boarding pass, mobile check-in screenshot, and booking confirmation.
- Photo of the gate screen or app message showing the flight and boarding status.
- Names or notes from staff who said the flight was overbooked, weight restricted, aircraft swapped, or full.
- Any volunteer offer, voucher terms, rebooking confirmation, or refused-boarding note.
- Receipts for meals, hotel, transport, and phone costs if the airline did not provide care.
- A short timeline showing check-in, gate arrival, refusal, rerouting, and final arrival.
How To Claim Under UK261
Confirm UK261 coverage
Use UK261 for UK departures on any airline and UK arrivals on UK carriers. EU261 may apply instead for EU departures.
State involuntary denied boarding
Say you had a confirmed booking, presented on time, and were refused boarding for airline capacity reasons.
Claim compensation and care separately
Ask for the fixed compensation amount plus reimbursement for reasonable care costs where the airline failed to provide them.
Avoid unclear voucher settlement
If you accepted a voucher, check whether it was a care voucher, a voluntary seat-give-up offer, or a compensation settlement.
Escalate if the airline refuses
Use the airline complaint route first, then the relevant ADR body or CAA signposting route if the refusal stays unsupported.
Related Claim Guides
Preserve The Airport Facts Before Claiming
Denied boarding claims depend on proof that you were ready to travel and the airline refused you for its own capacity reasons.
Start the UK261 claim checkSource note
This guide uses UK261 retained Regulation 261/2004, UK CAA passenger guidance, European Commission air passenger rights guidance, and British Airways disruption-process context for UK-denied-boarding passenger language.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. FlightClaimGuide does not provide legal advice and recommends seeking independent professional advice for complex legal matters.