Alghero, located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, is a stunning destination with its medieval old town, beautiful beaches, and rich Catalan heritage. Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) serves as the gateway for thousands of travelers each year, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, the increasing demand for flights can lead to overbooking, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. If you’ve been affected by flight overbooking in Alghero, you have rights – and you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Overbooking is a common practice among airlines. They sell more tickets than available seats, predicting that some passengers won’t show up. When all passengers do arrive, the airline is forced to deny boarding to some. While this is a business strategy for airlines, it creates major inconvenience for travelers.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers denied boarding due to overbooking have specific rights, including:
Compensation: You could be entitled to up to €600, depending on the flight distance.
Alternative Flight or Refund: The airline must offer you an alternative flight or a full refund.
Care and Assistance: Free meals, refreshments, and accommodation (if necessary) should be provided.
If you voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for benefits, ensure the compensation offered is worth it. Otherwise, insist on your rights.
If you were denied boarding in Alghero due to overbooking, follow these steps:
Ask the airline for a written confirmation that you were denied boarding due to overbooking. This will support your compensation claim.
Hold on to your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any vouchers received from the airline.
If the airline fails to provide meals, accommodation, or transportation, keep your receipts and claim reimbursement later.
You can claim compensation directly from the airline, but if they delay or refuse, you can use Trouble Flight to handle the process and ensure you receive what you’re owed.
If your flight is overbooked and you need another way out, consider checking flights from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB), which is about 140 km away. You can reach Olbia from Alghero by:
Car Rental: A 1.5-hour scenic drive through Sardinia.
Public Bus: A budget-friendly option.
Train & Shuttle: A mix of train and airport shuttle services.
Flights from Olbia may offer better availability, especially if your overbooked flight was with a low-cost airline.
Yes! If you arrive more than 3 hours later than originally scheduled, you are still entitled to compensation under EU law.
If you were flying from Alghero to a non-EU country, EU regulations still apply. However, if your flight was coming to Alghero from outside the EU on a non-EU airline, you may not be eligible.
You generally have up to 5 years (depending on the country) to file a claim. Don’t delay – the sooner you act, the better!
If you’ve been a victim of flight overbooking in Alghero, don’t let the airline get away with it. You may be entitled to up to €600, and claiming it is easier than you think. Start your claim with Trouble Flight today and get the money you deserve!