Booking a flight seems pretty easy: just select one airline and pay. But what do you do if you’re denied boarding by airline? Is all the money gone? No, you’re entitled to 400% compensation of the original fare, which can go up to Rs.20,000! How do you get your hands on this denied boarding compensation? That’s what we’ll be covering in detail so you can get every passenger right you’re entitled to!

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), every passenger can avail of compensation if they are denied boarding or if the flight is delayed. Read to check if you can avail of the compensation, depending on certain factors.

Compensation for Denied Boarding

Filing for compensation at the Airport
Filing for compensation at the Airport
Image credit: Shutterstock/Denys Kurbatov

Your compensation depends on the reason why you were denied boarding by airline. Every passenger has the right to know why they were denied their seat so that the staff provides some information immediately. If the airline has denied you passage for valid reasons, including safety, health issues, or inadequate information regarding your travel documents, you cannot ask for compensation. If denied boarding due to visa, you cannot request compensation either.

One of the main denied boarding reasons on a flight is the overbooking of seats, which airlines are legally allowed to do. If your flight is overbooked, the staff will ask for volunteers willing to give up their seats. However, in case no one comes forward, the airline, as per DGCA policy for a full refund within 24 hours, will give you a refund and cover expenses for meals, accommodation, and transport outside the Airport, depending on the individual circumstances.

Even if the airline provides another seat within 24 hours, the flight overbooked compensation India you receive must be 100% of the base fare paid and the fuel charges, up to a maximum of Rs.10,000. You can also reject the new seat provided and ask for 400% compensation on the base fare and fuel charges, going up to Rs. 20,000! The passenger denied seating can also request a full refund of the money spent.

Denied flight boarding what to do next if you have not received any assistance? Grab up to Rs.20,000 off on domestic and international flights (code: ATFLY) through Akbartravels.com, so you save maximum on bookings and need not worry about losing too much money.

What if my flight got cancelled 24 hours before?

Flight cancellations
Flight cancellations
Image credit: Shutterstock/Martin Furtivo

On the occasion of your flight being cancelled 24 hours before departure, you must receive a complete refund on your ticket. You must also ask for compensation of Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000 for your cancelled flight.

However, in case of unforeseen circumstances or an emergency, the airline is not required to provide compensation for your cancelled flight if informed 24 hours before.

Want to avoid flight cancellations and delays? Read: Flight Booking Tips to Beat the April Vacation Rush in 2025. 

What if I was informed about the cancellation at the Airport?

Woman disappointed because of flight cancellation
Woman disappointed because of flight cancellation
Image credit: Shutterstock/Prostock-studio

If you were informed about the cancellation after arrival at the Airport and denied boarding by airline, they must provide a refund and all meals, depending on the wait duration. Depending on the block time of the airline, you’re entitled to:

  • Block time less than an hour: Rs.5,000 in compensation or one-way fare and the fuel charge. (Cheapest option)
  • Block time for 1 to 2 hours: Rs.7,500 or one-way fare and the fuel charge. (Cheapest option)
  • Block time for 2+ hours: Rs.10,000 or one-way fare and the fuel charges (Cheapest option).

You can also secure affordable Mangalore to Dubai flights online to guarantee the best escape.

Compensations for Flight Delays

Complimentary beverage provided at Airport for delay
Complimentary beverage provided at Airport for delay
Image credit: Shutterstock/ZinaidaSopina

As per flight delay compensation India DGCA, even if your flight is delayed, you’re entitled to some compensation, depending on how long the delay has been. Here is the compensation you can expect:

  • Delay for 2+ hours: Free meals and refreshments.
  • Delay for 6+ hours (domestic travel): Another seat within 6 hours or a complete ticket refund.
  • Delay for 24+ hours or 6+ hours for flights between 8 pm and 3 am: Free accommodation services as per DGCA flight delay Rules.

Also read: Tips to Handle Flight Delays and Cancellations & Fly Stress-Free. 

How do I Ensure I Get the Compensation from the Airline?

Help desk at the Airport
Help desk at the Airport
Image credit: Shutterstock/SritanaN

Here are some simple steps you can follow to guarantee you get a flight cancellation refund and other denied flight boarding compensation India without too much of an argument:

Documentation of everything

You must record every interaction with the staff, customer service, etc, regarding the airline delay, cancellation, or denied boarding by airline. Keep your boarding pass, ticket, and any other information that proves you were denied boarding so you can file a claim.

Contact the airline customer service immediately.

Don’t delay; contact the airline immediately and ask for your due compensation once you discover the reason for denied boarding. The airline must follow the DGCA Guidelines and provide another seat or other services, depending on your circumstances. Ensure you receive written denied boarding by airline proof of compensation, or any other assistance provided.

Make a complaint

No adequate denied boarding by airline compensation provided? Register a formal grievance with the airline and contact DGCA. Ensure you have all the proof; necessary to show the delay or boarding denial.

If not taken seriously, go the legal way.

If the airline continues to deny the compensation followed as per the DGCA, you can involve a legal attorney or contact a consumer rights organisation. They will assist you with further step-by-step guidance to get satisfactory compensation for your boarding problems.

Pro Tip: The best way to avoid being denied boarding by airline is to secure early morning flight ticket bookings when crowds are comparatively fewer. Secure cheap air ticket booking for all destinations online!

You can find cheap Bangalore to Mumbai flights online to avoid cancellations and other issues.

Also read: The Guide to Booking Flights from Search to Purchase! 

Is this Real? Yes, Here’s Proof!

Airline news update
Airline news update
Image credit: Shutterstock/Linaimages

Does the compensation seem too good to be true? Have you been denied compensation money in the past and don’t believe airlines have to offer you these additional perks? Well, in 2024, Air India was hit with a 10 Lakh fine for failing to provide compensation for passengers who were affected by flight cancellations.

So, yes! You can get the money and a new flight booking without pleading because you are entitled to money as per the DGCA rules for flight cancellation within 24 hours. Gear up and get ready to get your money back! Was your flight cancelled because of unavoidable circumstances? You can still access budget-friendly flights by securing all-inclusive holiday tour packages and book hotels online at best rates! Don’t forget to book online visa services for 180+ countries before you make all plans.

FAQs- Denied Boarding by Airline

Do I get compensation for denied boarding?
Yes, you get compensation of up to Rs.20,000, depending on many factors, as per the DGCA.

What are the rights of passengers being denied boarding?
Passengers denied boarding can avail of compensation, depending on the reason for the denied entry and the length of the delay. Some amounts and services you can receive are:

  • Reschedule flight booking within 24 hours.
  • Complimentary meals, beverages, and stay, depending on the reason for cancellation.
  • Up to Rs.20,000 compensation if denied boarding by airline.
  • A certain amount in compensation or one-way fare return, depending on the hours of delay.

How much can you claim if denied boarding?
Passengers can claim up to Rs.10,000 compensation in case of flight overbooking. If you refuse the seat on the next flight, you can ask for up to 400% compensation, up to Rs.20,000.

Is there a penalty for not boarding a flight?
Yes, you might have to pay a no-show fee. You will also lose the money spent on your airline ticket.

What if I am denied boarding?
If you are denied boarding, you can ask for compensation from the airline, depending on the reason for the denial.

How do I know if I am eligible for flight compensation?
You are eligible for flight compensation if you are denied boarding because of overbooking or if your flight is suddenly cancelled or delayed.

Is denied boarding compensation cash?
Yes, depending on the reason for boarding denial, the compensation is in cash, going up to a maximum of Rs.20,000.

Does a customer get compensation if they are denied boarding due to a capacity disruption?
Yes, a customer gets compensation of 100% if they are denied boarding due to capacity disruption and a seat on the next immediate flight. The amount you receive depends on your destination and the flight duration.

Can you sue an airline for denied boarding?
Yes, you can sue an airline for denied boarding if you have not received enough compensation. However, you cannot sue the airline or ask for compensation if the boarding denial is due to unavoidable circumstances or an issue with your documents.

Can you ask an airline for compensation?
Yes, you can ask an airline for compensation if you are denied boarding or for flight delays. You can also demand compensation if the airline informs you of the cancellation after you arrive at the Airport.

What is the best way to complain to an airline?
The best way to complain to an airline is to contact their customer service employees and follow the procedure to record a complaint.

How to complain and ask for compensation?
You can get in touch with the airline customer service and file a complaint. Always ask for compensation on the line and get proof that you will receive the deserved money or services.

What to do if an airline won’t refund?
You can complain to customer protection authorities or contact airline higher-ups. If there’s no response, you can also hire a lawyer.

What happens if an airline denied boarding?
If you’re denied boarding, depending on the reason, you can receive monetary compensation. The airline staff must also secure seats for you on the next airline.

What is the compensation for denied boarding in India?
The compensation for denied boarding in India is 100% of the base fare and fuel charges up to a maximum of Rs.10,000.

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