Flight Overbooking in Hungary: Know Your Rights & Claim Compensation

Understanding Flight Overbooking in Hungary

Flying from or to Hungary can sometimes come with unexpected issues, and one of the most frustrating is flight overbooking. Airlines routinely sell more tickets than available seats, anticipating no-shows. However, when more passengers show up than there are seats, some travelers are denied boarding against their will. If this happens to you in Hungary, you could be eligible for financial compensation under European law.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Overbooking is a common airline practice aimed at maximizing revenue. Carriers analyze historical data to predict the likelihood of passengers missing their flights. While this strategy often works without issue, it sometimes leads to passengers being involuntarily bumped from their flights.

What Are Your Rights If Your Flight Is Overbooked in Hungary?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if you are denied boarding due to overbooking on a flight departing from Hungary or arriving in Hungary on an EU airline, you are legally entitled to compensation. The amount you can claim 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

In addition to financial compensation, you are entitled to:

• A replacement flight to your destination (at the earliest convenience or a later date of your choosing)

• Meals and refreshments while you wait

• Hotel accommodation if necessary, along with transport to and from the airport

• Access to phone calls and emails

What Should You Do If You Are Denied Boarding in Hungary?

If your flight is overbooked, here’s what you should do to strengthen your compensation claim:

1. Do Not Voluntarily Give Up Your Seat – If you agree to be rebooked in exchange for vouchers or other benefits, you may lose your right to compensation.

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

3. Keep All Documents – Retain your boarding pass, flight ticket, and any receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay.

4. Ask for an Alternative Flight – Check if there’s a different flight from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) or even Debrecen International Airport (DEB).

5. Submit a Claim for Compensation – Trouble Flight can handle the claim process for you, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.

Alternative Airports in Hungary

If your flight is overbooked and the airline offers a rebooking, consider checking departures from Debrecen International Airport. It is Hungary’s second-largest airport and may have flights to your destination with another airline. If you need to transfer, a train from Budapest to Debrecen takes about 2.5 hours, and buses are also available.

Common Destinations with Overbooked Flights from Hungary

Hungary is a major European travel hub, and certain destinations frequently experience overbooking issues. The most commonly affected routes include:

• Budapest to London Heathrow (LHR)

• Budapest to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

• Budapest to Frankfurt (FRA)

• Budapest to Dubai (DXB)

• Budapest to Barcelona (BCN)

If you are traveling on one of these routes, arrive at the airport early and consider online check-in to reduce the risk of being bumped.

Can You Get Compensation for Overbooking on a Non-EU Airline?

If your flight is operated by a non-EU airline, EU 261/2004 only applies if your flight departs from Hungary. If you are flying into Hungary from a non-EU country on a non-EU airline, you may not be covered. However, some airlines have their own overbooking policies, so it is always worth checking.

How to File a Claim for Compensation

The compensation process can be complex, as airlines often try to deny valid claims. Trouble Flight can handle everything on your behalf. Here’s how it works:

1. Submit Your Flight Details – Provide your flight number, date, and route.

2. Our Experts Review Your Case – We analyze your eligibility based on EU 261/2004.

3. We Contact the Airline – Our team negotiates directly with the airline to secure your compensation.

4. You Get Paid – Once the claim is approved, you receive your money!

How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation?

The duration varies, but claims typically take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the airline's response time. Trouble Flight ensures that you get the fastest possible resolution.

Overbooked Flight in Hungary? Act Now!

If you were denied boarding due to flight overbooking in Hungary, don’t let the airline keep your money. Claim up to €600 in compensation today! Start your claim with Trouble Flight and get what you’re entitled to. Submit your case now!