Passenger rights and overbooking protections in the EU

Travelers facing flight overbooking should distinguish between voluntary seat relinquishment and denied boarding to ensure proper legal protections. Under European Union regulations, airlines are required to first seek volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for agreed-upon benefits, such as vouchers.

If a passenger is denied boarding against their will, they are entitled to specific assistance, the choice between a refund or an alternative flight, and potential compensation. It is advised that passengers obtain written documentation regarding the offer and the reason for the denied boarding to facilitate claims through authorities like ENAC.