The airline refused you boarding without a valid reason
Wrongful denial is when an airline refuses boarding despite you having a valid ticket, boarding pass, and having met all requirements — with no legitimate justification. EC261 Art.4 entitles you to compensation immediately.
Compensation
€250 – €600 (full amounts, no reduction)
Regulation
EC261 Art.4 + Art.7
Time Limit
2–6 years (varies by country)
Wrongful denial occurs when an airline refuses boarding for reasons unrelated to safety, documentation, or passenger conduct. This is the highest-certainty EC261 claim category.
EC261 Art.4: When an airline involuntarily denies boarding, it must immediately pay compensation and provide written notice of passenger rights. The passenger's consent is required for any voluntary denied boarding.
Wrongful denial triggers full EC261 compensation immediately — no minimum arrival delay required.
| Scenario / Distance | Example | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | London → Paris | €250 | — |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | London → Athens | €400 | — |
| Over 3,500 km (intra-EU) | Lisbon → Helsinki | €400 | — |
| Over 3,500 km (extra-EU) | London → New York | €600 | — |
Check these against your situation — the more you can tick, the stronger your claim.
You had a confirmed booking and arrived at check-in on time
RequiredYou were refused boarding by the airline
RequiredThe refusal was not for a legitimate reason (safety, documentation, behaviour)
RequiredYou did not voluntarily agree to take a later flight
RequiredFlight was covered by EC261 (EU/UK departure or EU carrier arriving in EU)
RequiredNot sure if you qualify? Submit your details via our free claim checker — we assess eligibility at no cost and no obligation.
"Your documentation wasn't in order.'"
Airlines must give specific reasons at the gate in writing. A vague 'documentation issue' that can't be substantiated — especially if you have a valid passport and visa confirmation — is challengeable. Request written documentation immediately at the gate.
"It was a safety-related decision."
Safety refusals must be based on specific, documented risk factors. A general 'safety concern' with no supporting evidence does not satisfy the legal threshold for denying boarding. Request the specific safety reason in writing.
"You were rebooked on a later flight — no compensation needed."
Rebooking is your right under Art.8 — but it doesn't replace Art.7 compensation. You are entitled to both: a replacement flight AND the statutory cash amount.
We handle everything from the first letter to final payment. You do nothing.
Immediately ask gate staff for written confirmation of your denied boarding and the stated reason. This is your strongest evidence. If they refuse to provide it, document the staff member's name, time, and gate number.
Retain your boarding pass, booking confirmation, passport, and any emails or communications from the airline. Photograph any notices posted at the gate.
Submit your claim with supporting evidence. Wrongful denial claims have the highest success rate of any EC261 category. We handle the negotiation and enforcement.
Specific answers to the questions that matter for your case.
No win, no fee — 25% only on success
We handle the airline. You get paid. Up to €600.
Last updated: 2025-01-15 · Covers EC261, UK261 and Montreal Convention