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Denied boarding compensation

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Denied boarding: your rights in case of overbooking

If you are denied boarding against your will due to overbooking (an unfortunately common practice), you are entitled to immediate compensation. This compensation in Canada can be up to $2,400 depending on the delay caused by the denied boarding, or for a cancelled flight

Before denying boarding to a passenger, the airline must first look for volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation or benefits.

When you choose to voluntarily give up your place in a given situation, it is possible to start negotiations to define the terms of this transaction. These conditions can include benefits such as travel vouchers, free meals, an upgrade, or even free accommodation.

In the event of denied boarding and forced withdrawal from the flight, the airline is required to provide written notice to the passenger concerned, as well as offer immediate financial compensation.

Useful information

In Canada, while air carriers retain some freedom in enforcing their own policies, they must still comply with the Air Passenger Rights that have been in place since 2008. Since that date, compensation amounts have been established, including in the event of overbooking, of up to $800, according to the company. In the event of a dispute, the only recourse available to passengers is mediation with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). But for a single person, these procedures can be long, complex and discouraging, especially when faced with companies that are well versed in these situations.

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Take advantage of your denied boarding

Most airlines usually try to minimize their liability by offering travel credits or invoking extraordinary circumstances to avoid paying compensation.

To make sure you are compensated for what you are entitled to, without wasting time, money and energy, trust Volannule.com.

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Your rights in the event of denied boarding (overbooking)

Overbooking is a common practice in air transport. Companies sometimes sell more tickets than there are seats, for fear of last-minute cancellations. But when all the passengers show up for boarding, some are refused. In this case, Canadian law protects travellers and provides for immediate and significant compensation.

Denied boarding compensation

If you are denied boarding against your will, the airline must compensate you immediately.
The amount varies according to the length of time you are late at your final destination:

  1. $900 for a delay of less than 6 hours;
  2. $1,800 for a delay of 6 to 9 hours;
  3. $2,400 for a delay of more than 9 hours.

This payment must be immediate, at the ticket counter or before the departure of the new flight, and not in travel vouchers, unless you voluntarily agree to it in writing. The aim is to obtain effective and rapid compensation for the damage suffered.

The search for volunteers: an essential step

Before refusing a passenger against their will, the airline must legally ask for volunteers to give up their seat in exchange for compensation.
This procedure must be posted at the boarding gate or at check-in so that everyone can offer informed consent.

Volunteers who agree to give up their place can freely negotiate the terms of the agreement. These benefits can be:

Travel vouchers that can be used on future flights;

Free meals or airport dining credits;

  1. Accommodation paid for by the company if a departure the next day is necessary;
  2. An upgrade on a future flight.

This negotiation is based on mutual consent: passengers only give up their seats in exchange for advantages that they consider sufficient.

In the event of a forced denial of boarding

If the company denies you boarding against your will, it must comply with very strict obligations:

Provide the affected passenger with written notice of the reasons for the denial, the amount of compensation, and remedies;

  1. Pay the monetary compensation immediately, in accordance with the above-mentioned official scale;
  2. Offer an alternative flight to the final destination as soon as possible, or a full refund if the passenger wishes to cancel their trip.

Compensation is due even if the company offers you another flight, as long as the delay in arrival is more than 3 hours. In addition, the company must continue to provide basic assistance (meals, accommodation, communication) during the wait.

Corporate transparency obligations

The APPR require carriers to inform passengers of their rights. This means that in the event of denied boarding:

You must have a written explanation;

  • The amount of the compensation must be specified as soon as the refusal is notified;
  • Passengers cannot be forced to accept a flight voucher or credit in lieu of a cash refund;

You can refuse any offer that you feel is insufficient and file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).