If you were involuntarily denied boarding because the flight was overbooked, you’re owed compensation — and you don’t have to be delayed by any minimum to qualify under EU261/UK261. (If you volunteered to be bumped for a payout you negotiated, that deal is separate.)
EU / UK flights — same fixed amounts as a delay, paid immediately:
[Your name / address / email / phone]
[Date]
[Airline] — Customer Relations / Claims
Re: Denied boarding compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004
Flight [number] — [origin] to [destination] — [date] — PNR [____]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I held a confirmed reservation and presented for boarding on time for
flight [number] on [date], but was involuntarily denied boarding because
the flight was overbooked. I did not volunteer to give up my seat.
Under Articles 4 and 7 of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, I am entitled to
fixed compensation of EUR [amount] for this flight (distance band [____]),
payable immediately, in addition to my choice under Article 8 of [a full
refund / re-routing to [destination]] and the right to care under
Article 9.
Please pay EUR [amount] to [payment details] within 14 days.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature / printed name]
US flights (DOT rules) — compensation is a percentage of your one-way fare, with dollar caps:
[Your name / address / email / phone]
[Date]
[Airline] — Customer Relations
Re: Involuntary denied boarding compensation (14 CFR Part 250)
Flight [number] — [origin] to [destination] — [date] — Conf [____]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I held a confirmed reservation and met all check-in/boarding cut-offs for
flight [number] on [date], but was involuntarily bumped due to oversale.
Under 14 CFR Part 250, because the substitute transportation got me to my
destination [1–2 hours late (domestic) / 1–4 hours late (international) =
200% of my one-way fare, up to $1,075] [OR more than that = 400%, up to
$2,150], I am owed denied-boarding compensation of approximately
$[amount]. Any travel voucher previously offered does not satisfy this
cash obligation, which I request by check or original form of payment.
Please remit $[amount] within 14 days.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature / printed name]
Don’t sign away a cash right for a voucher at the gate. Airlines often hand bumped passengers a travel credit. Under both EU261/UK261 and US DOT rules you can insist on the cash amount. US caps are $1,075 (200%) and $2,150 (400%), effective January 22, 2025 — verify the current figures and your exact fare on the US passenger rights page.
Find your EU/UK amount in the amounts table. If they stall, escalate to the regulator.