Jasná, Slovakia, is a well-known winter sports destination, attracting thousands of visitors every year. While the nearest airport to Jasná is Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT), many travelers also use Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) or Bratislava Airport (BTS) to reach this alpine paradise. Due to high demand, airlines sometimes overbook flights, leaving passengers stranded at the airport.
If you've been denied boarding due to overbooking, you might be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Airlines often sell more tickets than available seats, expecting some passengers to cancel or miss their flights. However, when everyone shows up, some travelers are forced to give up their seats involuntarily.
If you're denied boarding against your will due to an overbooked flight, the airline must offer:
Financial compensation (up to 600€, depending on the flight distance)
Re-routing or alternative flights at no extra cost
Food, refreshments, and accommodation if your delay extends overnight
250€ for flights under 1,500 km
400€ for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and non-EU flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
600€ for flights exceeding 3,500 km
The key is that you must not have voluntarily given up your seat in exchange for vouchers or benefits. Only involuntary denied boarding qualifies for monetary compensation.
Request a written confirmation from the airline stating the reason for denial.
Take pictures of your boarding pass and travel documents.
Keep receipts if you incur additional expenses.
If you are at Poprad-Tatry Airport, consider rebooking a flight from:
Kraków (KRK) – About 2.5 hours away by car.
Bratislava (BTS) – Around 3.5 hours away.
These larger airports often have more frequent flights and alternative airline options, increasing your chances of finding an earlier flight.
Don’t settle for travel vouchers! File a compensation claim directly with the airline or through a professional service specializing in flight claims.
While you can’t control airline policies, you can reduce your chances of being bumped off a flight by:
Checking in online early to secure your seat.
Joining airline loyalty programs (loyal members are less likely to be denied boarding).
Booking direct flights instead of complex itineraries.
Avoiding budget airlines during peak seasons.
Anna, a traveler from Germany, planned a ski trip to Jasná but faced an unexpected setback when her flight from Poprad-Tatry Airport to Berlin was overbooked. She was forced to wait for the next flight 10 hours later. Thanks to EU261, she successfully claimed 400€ in compensation!
Similarly, Daniel, an Austrian tourist, was flying from Kraków to Vienna after visiting Jasná. His flight was oversold, and he was rebooked on a flight the next day. Not only did the airline provide accommodation, but he also claimed 250€ for the inconvenience.
If you've experienced flight overbooking while traveling to or from Jasná, you have legal rights to compensation. Airlines might not inform you of these rights, but you don’t have to accept their excuses. Start your claim today and get up to 600€ in compensation!