If your flight from Craiova has been overbooked and you were denied boarding, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation EC261/2004. This regulation protects air passenger rights and ensures airlines take responsibility for disrupted travel plans. Here's everything you need to know about handling flight overbooking in Craiova and getting the compensation you deserve.
Overbooking occurs when an airline sells more tickets than available seats on the plane. While it may seem unfair, overbooking is a common practice in the aviation industry. Airlines anticipate a certain number of passengers not showing up, but when more passengers arrive than expected, they may deny boarding to some travelers.
If this has happened to you at Craiova International Airport (CRA), you are not alone. Fortunately, EU regulations are on your side, and you could claim up to €600 depending on the flight distance.
Craiova International Airport is a growing hub in Romania, serving flights across Europe and beyond. Its increasing popularity can sometimes lead to operational challenges, including overbooked flights. Airlines operating at Craiova often try to optimize flight occupancy, especially during peak seasons when demand is high. This makes overbooking incidents more likely during the summer holidays, Christmas, and other busy travel periods.
If you've been denied boarding due to overbooking, follow these steps to ensure you protect your rights:
Ask for Written Confirmation: Request a written statement from the airline explaining why you were denied boarding. This document will support your compensation claim.
Know Your Rights: Under EC261/2004, passengers who are denied boarding due to overbooking may receive compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance. Additionally, the airline must offer you alternative transportation to your destination or a full refund of your ticket.
Keep Your Receipts: If the airline does not immediately provide an alternative flight and you need to pay for meals, hotels, or transportation, keep all receipts. You can claim reimbursement for these expenses.
Contact Trouble Flight: With years of experience in securing compensation for passengers, Trouble Flight makes the claim process easy and stress-free. We handle all the paperwork and communication with the airline on your behalf.
If your overbooked flight was departing from Craiova, consider checking flights from nearby airports like Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest. This airport offers a broader range of flights and destinations, often with different airlines.
Here’s how you can get from Craiova to Bucharest for alternative flight options:
Train: Direct trains connect Craiova to Bucharest in around 3-4 hours.
Bus: Several bus companies operate routes between the two cities, offering affordable and frequent services.
Car Rental: If you prefer flexibility, renting a car can be a convenient way to travel to Bucharest.
Switching airports can save time and help you avoid lengthy delays, ensuring you reach your destination sooner.
The compensation amount for overbooking depends on the distance of your flight:
Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: €400
Flights over 3,500 km: €600
In addition to monetary compensation, airlines must also provide assistance, including:
Meals and refreshments
Hotel accommodation (if needed)
Transport to and from the hotel
Access to communication (phone calls or emails)
Maria, a passenger flying from Craiova to Milan, faced an overbooking situation and was denied boarding. She was offered a seat on a flight the next day but had to cover her hotel and meal costs overnight. After contacting Trouble Flight, Maria successfully claimed €250 in compensation along with reimbursement for her expenses. This story highlights how taking the right steps can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Q: Can I claim compensation if I voluntarily gave up my seat on an overbooked flight? A: No, passengers who volunteer to give up their seat are usually compensated directly by the airline with vouchers, cash, or other benefits, but they forfeit their right to additional compensation under EC261.
Q: What if my flight was part of a package holiday? A: You are still entitled to compensation for overbooking, even if your flight was part of a package deal. Contact Trouble Flight for assistance.
Q: How long do I have to make a claim? A: In Romania, you can file a claim for up to three years after the overbooking incident.
Navigating airline policies and legal regulations can be complex, but Trouble Flight is here to help. Our team specializes in securing compensation for passengers affected by overbooking, delays, and cancellations. With a no-win, no-fee policy, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on your travel plans.
If you’ve been denied boarding due to overbooking in Craiova, don’t leave money on the table. Use your rights under EU261 to claim compensation of up to €600. Contact Trouble Flight today to start your claim process and turn a frustrating experience into a fair outcome.