Rules status — reviewed 19 July 2026
Current EU261 and UK261 rules remain the basis for present-day checks. The updated EU rules approved in July 2026 enter into force 12 months and 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
Volunteers and involuntary refusal are different
Airlines may ask for volunteers before denying boarding involuntarily. Keep any offer, voucher, consent form and written refusal reason.
Assistance and travel choices
Involuntarily denied passengers may have rights to compensation, reimbursement or rerouting and assistance, unless reasonable health, safety, security or document grounds apply.
Compensation bands
EU261 commonly uses €250, €400 and €600 bands. UK261 commonly uses £220, £350 and up to £520, with reductions possible after prompt rerouting in some cases.
Evidence checklist
- Complete booking and final destination
- Flight number, date and operating carrier
- Scheduled and actual departure/arrival times
- Airline explanation and disruption messages
- Receipts for reasonable expenses