What to do in case of overbooking

THEOverbooking It happens when airlines make poor calculations, which they then pass on to travelers. They've sold more tickets than available, hoping that some will cancel. But if that doesn't happen, some people are left stranded. What do you do if you're one of the unfortunate victims of overbooking? What can you do?

Index of topics

What happens with overbooking?

As soon as the company realises that the flight has been overbooked, it launches an appeal, trying volunteers ready to board the next flight, in exchange for certain benefits (from meals to overnight stays). Or by offering various types of financial compensation. What happens if no one accepts the offers? At that point the company decides, and assigns them at its discretion, according to a priority scale. Those most at risk are: single travelers, those who have an economy class ticket, who do not have a loyalty program with the airline, those who checked in last.

What can the passenger choose?

A passenger trapped by overbooking has two options, based on international regulations. They can accept protection on a later flight and also receive financial compensation. If the next flight is scheduled for the following day, the passenger has the right to food, lodging and services (to and from the airport) paid by the airline. If the victim of overbooking cancels the flight, he or she is entitled to compensation and reimbursement total of the ticket.

Assistance to passengers in case of overbooking

Free assistance to passengers in the event of overbooking includes:

Hotel accommodation
Meals and drinks while waiting for the new departure
Transfers from the airport to the hotel and vice versa
Two phone calls

How much compensation is due?

The value of the compensation, in addition to the ticket refund, is calculated on the basis of the length of the route, within a range from 250 to 600 euros. In particular:

250 euros for flights within the European Union or for international flights of a shorter distance
at 500 kilometres
400 euros for flights within the Union over distances exceeding 500 kilometres
400 euros also for international flights between 1.500 and 3.500 kilometers
600 euros for international flights over 3.500 kilometers

Who to contact in case of disputes

In case of dispute between the passenger and the airline, the competent authority is at the Ministry of Transport (autorita-trasporti.it/canciliaweb/).

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