Prove you did not volunteer
Airlines may ask for volunteers before denying boarding involuntarily. Keep any offer, voucher, consent form and written refusal reason.
Record rerouting and care
Involuntarily denied passengers may have rights to compensation, reimbursement or rerouting and assistance, unless reasonable health, safety, security or document grounds apply.
Match the correct statutory band
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.
Documents to prepare
Booking confirmationBoarding passAirline messagesActual arrival timeExpense receiptsPassenger details
Before sending the request
State the remedy clearly. Fixed compensation, reasonable expenses, reimbursement and rerouting are separate requests even when they arise from the same disruption.