Flight Overbooking in Leipzig/Halle – Your Rights and How to Get Compensation

Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) serves as a major transport hub in eastern Germany, connecting passengers to various European and international destinations. As one of the busiest airports in the region, overbooking issues are not uncommon, leaving many travelers stranded. If your flight was overbooked at Leipzig/Halle and you were denied boarding, you could be eligible for financial compensation under EU regulations.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights at Leipzig/Halle?

Overbooking is a common practice among airlines to maximize occupancy rates. Airlines sell more tickets than available seats, assuming some passengers will not show up. However, when all ticketed passengers arrive, some are denied boarding. If this happens to you, you have rights under EC 261/2004, which protects passengers traveling within, to, or from the European Union.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked at Leipzig/Halle

If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, follow these steps to ensure you receive proper compensation:

1. Do Not Voluntarily Give Up Your Seat – If the airline offers incentives, carefully consider if they are worth more than the compensation you are entitled to by law.

2. Request Immediate Assistance – Airlines must offer meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation for long waits.

3. Demand a Written Explanation – Ask for a written statement detailing why you were denied boarding.

4. Collect Proof – Keep all travel documents, boarding passes, and receipts for additional expenses.

5. Check Alternative Routes – Consider flying from Dresden Airport (DRS) or Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) as alternative departure points. Leipzig/Halle is well connected via trains and buses to these airports.

6. File a Compensation Claim – According to EU law, you may receive between €250 and €600, depending on the flight distance.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for Flight Overbooking?

Under EC 261/2004, the amount of compensation depends on the flight distance:

• €250 – Flights up to 1,500 km

• €400 – Flights within the EU over 1,500 km and all other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km

• €600 – Flights exceeding 3,500 km

This compensation is separate from any refund or rebooking options offered by the airline.

How to Reach an Alternative Airport from Leipzig/Halle

If you're looking for alternative flights, consider departing from Dresden Airport (DRS) or Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER):

• Dresden Airport (DRS) – 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Leipzig Hauptbahnhof.

• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – 1 hour 45 minutes via ICE train from Leipzig.

Check for available flights with different airlines to avoid further delays and get to your destination as soon as possible.

Airlines Most Commonly Overbooking at Leipzig/Halle

While overbooking can happen with any airline, some carriers are more frequently reported for denying boarding due to full flights. Based on passenger complaints, airlines with frequent overbooking issues at Leipzig/Halle include:

• Lufthansa

• Ryanair

• Eurowings

• Wizz Air

• Turkish Airlines

How to File a Compensation Claim

You don’t have to let overbooking ruin your travel plans. Follow these simple steps to get your compensation:

1. Submit Your Claim – Provide your flight details and reason for denial.

2. Attach Evidence – Boarding passes, receipts, and any airline communication help strengthen your case.

3. Wait for Processing – Airlines typically respond within a few weeks, but they may try to delay payment.

4. Let Experts Handle It – If you face resistance, Trouble Flight can help you secure your compensation with no upfront costs.

Get Paid for Your Disrupted Flight!

If you've been denied boarding due to an overbooked flight at Leipzig/Halle, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation. Don't let the airline delay your claim—start your compensation process today and get the money you deserve!