Advertisement
UK markets closed
  • FTSE 100

    7,952.62
    +20.64 (+0.26%)
     
  • FTSE 250

    19,884.73
    +74.07 (+0.37%)
     
  • AIM

    743.26
    +1.15 (+0.15%)
     
  • GBP/EUR

    1.1708
    +0.0014 (+0.12%)
     
  • GBP/USD

    1.2621
    -0.0002 (-0.01%)
     
  • Bitcoin GBP

    55,661.24
    +460.30 (+0.83%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    885.54
    0.00 (0.00%)
     
  • S&P 500

    5,254.35
    +5.86 (+0.11%)
     
  • DOW

    39,807.37
    +47.29 (+0.12%)
     
  • CRUDE OIL

    83.11
    -0.06 (-0.07%)
     
  • GOLD FUTURES

    2,254.80
    +16.40 (+0.73%)
     
  • NIKKEI 225

    40,407.69
    +239.62 (+0.60%)
     
  • HANG SENG

    16,541.42
    +148.58 (+0.91%)
     
  • DAX

    18,492.49
    +15.40 (+0.08%)
     
  • CAC 40

    8,205.81
    +1.00 (+0.01%)
     

What are the rules on airline compensation? Here's everything you need to know

United Airlines has finally apologised to the man who was forcibly removed from one of their planes this week.

Footage from inside the airliner showed the man – said to be a doctor – violently pulled from his seat and dragged down the aisle.

United had overbooked the flight and needed to make space for four staff members by looking for volunteers to get off.

Airlines are allowed to oversell flights – but rules do apply.

Being removed involuntarily from a flight could see you compensated (Rex)
Being removed involuntarily from a flight could see you compensated (Rex)

When can an airline legally remove you from a flight?

Despite the controversy over their method, United are well within their rights to remove passengers from overbooked flights. Airlines are permitted to sell more seats for a flight than there are on the plane in the event of passengers failing to turn up. If everyone does turn up, the airline must then ask for volunteers to give up their seats, who would usually be rewarded for their decision.

ADVERTISEMENT

How are you rewarded?

It depends how long you will be delayed by being taken off the flight. If the airline can shift you onto another flight and get you to your destination within one hour of the originally scheduled arrival time, no compensation is required. This is the case if you leave the flight voluntarily or involuntarily.

MORE: United Airlines boss defiant over dragged passenger in leaked letter
MORE: Watch: United Airlines Has Man Dragged From Overbooked Flight

How much can you expect?

If your arrival is between one and two hours later than the original time – or between one and four hours for an international flight – the airline must pay you twice the amount of the one-way fare to the destination. In United’s case, this would be up to around £550. Over four hours after the original scheduled arrival time, this figure increases to around £1,087 – or 4 times the amount of the one way fare.

What about if you are removed involuntarily?

The airline must write to you to explain your rights if you are taken off without your agreement. Tickets would still be valid for another flight, however, you would be entitled to an ‘involuntary refund’ for your existing tickets if you make your own arrangements.

Are there any exceptions?

You must meet all check-in deadlines and have a confirmed reservation in order to be compensated for being taken off an overbooked flight. Compensation will also not be offered for involuntary removal if the flight is cancelled.

Is it worth volunteering to be taken off the flight?

It can be – airlines will usually make an offer to those who volunteer to give up their seats, which could include travel vouchers, gift cards or even cash – meaning you could get a reward for a short delay.

Top pic: Rex