Denied Boarding Compensation Claim Letter

Who can use this letter

You had a valid ticket and checked in on time, but were refused boarding due to overbooking
You did not volunteer to give up your seat
Your flight departed a UK airport, or arrived in the UK/EU on a UK or EU airline

Before you send it

Confirm you were involuntarily denied boarding — if you accepted a voucher offer at the gate, you may have waived statutory compensation for that specific delay.
Note what the airline offered you at the airport (if anything) and whether you accepted it.
Decide whether you want a refund or re-routing to your final destination — you are entitled to choose.
Keep your original boarding pass or booking confirmation as proof you were checked in.

The template

Fill in every [BRACKETED] field with your own details before sending — do not send this letter with placeholders still in it.

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL] · [YOUR PHONE]

[DATE]

[AIRLINE NAME] Customer Relations

Re: Denied boarding compensation claim — Booking reference [BOOKING REFERENCE]

Dear Sir or Madam,

On [FLIGHT DATE], I held a valid, confirmed booking on flight [FLIGHT NUMBER] from [DEPARTURE AIRPORT] to [ARRIVAL AIRPORT], and checked in / arrived at the gate on time. I was denied boarding involuntarily, which I understand was due to the flight being overbooked. I did not volunteer to give up my seat in exchange for any offer made at the airport.

Under UK261, involuntary denied boarding entitles me to:

1. Fixed compensation of £[AMOUNT] per passenger, based on a flight distance of approximately [DISTANCE] km — the same tiers that apply to long delays and cancellations.
2. My choice of either a full refund of the unused ticket, or re-routing to my final destination at the earliest opportunity. I am choosing: [REFUND / RE-ROUTING].
3. Care while I waited, including meals, refreshments, and — if applicable — overnight accommodation and transfers. [If you paid for any of these yourself, add: "I paid for the following reasonable expenses myself and enclose receipts: [LIST EXPENSES]."]

Please confirm this claim and arrange payment within 14 days. I do not wish to receive travel vouchers in place of cash compensation.

If any part of this claim is refused, please explain your reasoning in writing and confirm which Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme you belong to.

Yours faithfully,

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[Signature if posting]

Booking reference: [BOOKING REFERENCE]
Flight: [FLIGHT NUMBER], [FLIGHT DATE]

How to send it

Send to the operating airline's customer relations team, referencing the booking made at check-in, not just the original reservation.
Attach a photo of your original boarding pass or check-in confirmation if you have one.
Attach receipts for any meals, transport, or accommodation you paid for yourself.

If you don't get a response

Follow the same escalation path as any UK261 claim: reply challenging a rejection with evidence, then escalate to the airline's ADR scheme (CEDR or Aviation ADR) or the CAA. Use our CEDR / Aviation ADR escalation letter if you need to take this further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?

If the airline asks for volunteers and you accept an offer (vouchers, a later flight, etc.) before boarding closes, that is voluntary — you negotiate your own terms and may have waived statutory compensation. If you are refused a seat without agreeing to give it up, that is involuntary denied boarding, and this letter applies.

Am I still entitled to compensation if the airline rebooked me on a later flight?

Yes. Re-routing does not cancel your entitlement to fixed compensation for involuntary denied boarding — the compensation is separate from, and in addition to, your right to a refund or alternative flight.

This template is provided for information only and is not legal advice. FlightLogic is not a law firm and does not guarantee any outcome from using this letter — always check the facts of your own situation and adapt the wording accordingly.

Written by Emma Walsh

Editor, Hotels & Europe

Emma reviews boutique and independent hotels across Europe, alongside British Airways and Oneworld product reviews. She writes FlightLogic's Avios redemption guides.

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