Flight Overbooking in Belgium – Your Rights & How to Claim Compensation

Understanding Flight Overbooking in Belgium

Belgium, home to the bustling Brussels Airport (BRU), Charleroi Airport (CRL), and Antwerp International Airport (ANR), serves as a major hub for European and international travel. Whether you're catching a flight to another EU country or heading overseas, airlines sometimes sell more tickets than available seats—a practice known as overbooking. If you're denied boarding, you might be entitled to financial compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Airlines overbook flights to maximize profits, anticipating that some passengers will miss their flights due to late arrivals or cancellations. However, when more travelers show up than expected, some are denied boarding against their will.

When this happens in Belgium, you have rights! You might be entitled to compensation of up to €600 depending on the flight distance and circumstances.

What to Do If You’re Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking in Belgium

Being denied boarding can be frustrating, especially if you're traveling for business or an important event. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Don’t Accept Vouchers or Alternative Offers Immediately – Airlines often offer travel vouchers instead of cash compensation. You have the right to refuse and claim money instead.

2. Request a Written Confirmation – Ask the airline to provide written proof stating that overbooking was the reason for denied boarding.

3. Claim Compensation – Under EC 261, compensation ranges between €250 and €600, depending on the flight distance.

4. Get Free Meals & Accommodation – If the airline offers an alternative flight, they must provide food, drinks, and a hotel (if necessary).

5. Keep All Travel Documents – Your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and airline communication are crucial for claiming compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Overbooking?

The amount you can claim depends on the flight distance:

For instance, if your flight from Brussels to New York was overbooked, you could be entitled to €600 in compensation!

Alternative Travel Options After Overbooking in Belgium

1. Try Another Belgian Airport

If your flight is overbooked at Brussels Airport (BRU), consider checking departures from Charleroi (CRL) or Antwerp (ANR). Many low-cost carriers operate from Charleroi, and Antwerp is a great alternative for European flights.

🔹 How to Reach Charleroi Airport (CRL) from Brussels:

• By train: Take a train from Brussels Central to Charleroi-South, then a shuttle bus to the airport.

• By bus: Flibco operates direct shuttle buses from Brussels city center to CRL.

🔹 How to Reach Antwerp Airport (ANR) from Brussels:

• By train: Take an IC train from Brussels to Antwerp-Central, then a 10-minute taxi ride.

• By car: It’s just a 45-minute drive from Brussels to Antwerp Airport.

2. Rebook with Another Airline

If you're denied boarding, check other airlines flying the same route. Some major airlines operating in Belgium include:

• Brussels Airlines (main carrier)

• Ryanair (from Charleroi)

• TUI fly Belgium

• Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and British Airways (for international connections)

Pro Tip: Use airline alliances to get rebooked on a partner airline at no extra cost!

Frequently Asked Questions About Overbooking in Belgium

Can I Get Compensation If I Voluntarily Gave Up My Seat?

If you voluntarily accept an airline's offer (such as a travel voucher), you waive your right to financial compensation under EC 261. Always evaluate your options before agreeing!

What If the Airline Offers a New Flight Instead?

You can still claim compensation if your new flight arrives at your final destination 3 hours later than the original arrival time.

How Long Do I Have to Claim Overbooking Compensation?

For flights departing from Belgium, you can file a claim up to 5 years after the incident.

Does EC 261 Apply to Non-EU Airlines?

Yes, but only if your overbooked flight departed from an EU airport. If you were flying into Belgium from a non-EU country, EC 261 applies only if the airline is European.

Claim Your Overbooking Compensation in Belgium Today!

If you were denied boarding due to overbooking in Belgium, Trouble Flight can help you claim up to €600 in compensation—risk-free!

🔹 No Win, No Fee – We Only Get Paid When You Do!
🔹 Fast Processing – Claim in Minutes
🔹 Expert Legal Support

Don’t let the airline keep what’s yours—start your claim today!