Flight Overbooking at Flores Airport – What to Do and How to Get Compensated

Stuck Due to Overbooking at Flores Airport? Here’s What You Can Do

Flores Airport (FLW), located in the stunning Azores archipelago, serves as a vital connection between Portugal and the remote island of Flores. While its breathtaking surroundings make it a picturesque travel destination, the airport’s small size and limited flights can become a major issue when overbooking occurs. If you've been denied boarding due to flight overbooking, you’re not alone, and you have rights!

Here’s how to navigate the situation, claim your rightful compensation, and explore alternative routes to get to your destination as quickly as possible.

Why Does Flight Overbooking Happen at Flores Airport?

Flight overbooking is a common practice among airlines, where they sell more tickets than available seats to maximize profit. While major hubs have frequent departures, smaller airports like Flores Airport operate with fewer flights, making overbooking a bigger issue. If a flight reaches full capacity, some passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding.

When this happens, airlines must compensate affected travelers under EU regulations (EC261/2004), provided the flight was operated by an EU airline or departed from an EU airport.

Your Rights Under EC261 – How Much Can You Claim?

If you've been denied boarding due to overbooking, you could be entitled to compensation. The compensation depends on the flight distance:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km

• €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km

• €600 for flights over 3,500 km

Since flights from Flores Airport are primarily regional, most travelers will be entitled to €250 or €400 in compensation. However, if your flight was part of a long-haul connection, your claim might be higher.

How to Claim Compensation for Overbooking at Flores Airport?

1. Request Written Confirmation – Ask the airline for an official document stating that you were denied boarding due to overbooking.

2. Do Not Accept Vouchers – Airlines may offer travel vouchers instead of monetary compensation. You’re legally entitled to cash.

3. Keep Your Boarding Pass & Booking Confirmation – These documents are necessary to file your claim.

4. Contact Trouble Flight – We specialize in securing compensation for flight disruptions. Let us handle the claim while you focus on getting to your destination.

Alternative Travel Options from Flores Airport

When stranded due to overbooking at a small airport like Flores, securing an alternative flight can be challenging. But don’t worry—there are ways to reach your destination:

1. Check for the Next Available Flight

Flores Airport has limited daily flights, primarily operated by SATA Air Açores. If your flight was overbooked, check if the airline can rebook you on the next available departure.

2. Consider Flying from Corvo Airport (CVU)

If you can’t find a flight from Flores, Corvo Airport (located on the nearby Corvo Island) might be an option. While smaller, it has occasional connections to mainland Portugal and other Azores islands. To reach Corvo:

• Take a ferry from Santa Cruz das Flores to Corvo Island (about 40 minutes).

• Book a local SATA flight from Corvo to your destination.

3. Fly to Another Azores Island First

Instead of waiting for a direct flight from Flores, consider flying to a larger island such as Horta (HOR) or Ponta Delgada (PDL) and catching a connection from there. SATA Air Açores provides inter-island flights that might have available seats sooner.

4. Explore Ferry & Flight Combinations

If flights are fully booked, check ferry options. You can take a ferry to Faial or Terceira and then board a flight to Lisbon or another mainland destination. This route might take longer but ensures you don’t remain stuck in Flores for days.

What to Do While Waiting for a New Flight?

If you're forced to wait overnight or for an extended period due to overbooking, the airline must provide:

• Hotel accommodation (if necessary)

• Meals & refreshments

• Transportation to and from the hotel

If the airline refuses, keep all receipts—you can claim reimbursement later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Compensation under EC261 is only for passengers who were involuntarily denied boarding. However, if you accept a travel voucher, ensure the offer is worth your inconvenience.

What if My Alternative Flight Arrives Much Later?

If your new flight arrives 3+ hours later than your original schedule, you might be entitled to additional compensation.

What If My Flight Was a Connecting Flight?

If Flores was only a stop in your journey and overbooking caused you to miss a long-haul connection, you may be entitled to the maximum €600 compensation if the delay exceeded 3 hours.

Can I Get Compensation if the Airline Blames “Operational Issues”?

Yes! Airlines sometimes use vague excuses to avoid paying compensation. Overbooking is always within the airline’s control, meaning you are eligible for compensation.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Let Overbooking at Flores Airport Ruin Your Trip

Being denied boarding at a small airport like Flores can be frustrating, but you have rights and options. Whether you choose to wait for the next available flight, explore alternative routes, or take a ferry to another island, don’t forget to claim your compensation.

If you’ve experienced flight overbooking at Flores Airport, let Trouble Flight help you recover up to €600 in compensation. Don’t leave money on the table—start your claim today!