Flight Overbooking in Lithuania – What You Need to Know

Understanding Flight Overbooking in Lithuania

Airlines commonly overbook flights, selling more tickets than there are available seats. This practice, though frustrating for passengers, helps airlines minimize losses due to last-minute cancellations. However, when too many passengers show up, some get denied boarding, often involuntarily. If this has happened to you in Lithuania, you could be entitled to compensation under European Regulation EC261.

Lithuania is home to several important airports, including Vilnius International Airport (VNO), Kaunas International Airport (KUN), and Palanga International Airport (PLQ). If you've been denied boarding at any of these due to overbooking, you have rights that airlines must respect.

Your Rights Under EC261 for Overbooking

Under EU law, passengers who are denied boarding due to overbooking are eligible for compensation if:

• They had a confirmed reservation.

• They arrived at the airport on time.

• They were not denied boarding for reasons such as security concerns or lack of proper travel documents.

If these conditions apply to you, the airline must offer you:

• Financial compensation: Up to €600 depending on the flight distance.

• Alternative transportation: Either the next available flight or a rebooking at your convenience.

• Care and assistance: Meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation (if needed), and transportation.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

The compensation for flight overbooking in Lithuania follows these guidelines:

• Flights under 1,500 km (e.g., Vilnius to Warsaw): €250

• Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (e.g., Vilnius to London): €400

• Flights over 3,500 km (e.g., Vilnius to New York): €600

However, if the airline offers you an alternative flight that arrives at a similar time to your original flight, compensation may be reduced by 50%.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked in Lithuania

If you find yourself denied boarding due to overbooking at a Lithuanian airport, follow these steps to secure your compensation:

1. Do Not Voluntarily Give Up Your Seat

Some airlines ask for volunteers before enforcing involuntary denied boarding. If you accept, you might get perks, but you won’t be entitled to EC261 compensation.

2. Request a Written Statement

Ask the airline for a document stating that you were denied boarding due to overbooking. This will be crucial for your claim.

3. Collect Receipts for Extra Expenses

If you have to buy meals, book a hotel, or arrange alternative transport, keep all receipts. The airline must reimburse these costs.

4. Check Alternative Airports

If Vilnius, Kaunas, or Palanga is overbooked, check flights from Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia or Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) in Poland. A short bus or train ride might get you on a different flight sooner. You can reach Riga in around 4 hours by bus, and Warsaw in about 8 hours by train.

5. File Your Claim

You can submit a claim directly with the airline or through a professional service like Trouble Flight, ensuring a hassle-free process and higher chances of success.

Can Airlines Refuse to Pay Compensation?

Airlines may try to avoid paying compensation by citing “extraordinary circumstances.” However, overbooking is not an extraordinary circumstance. It is a business decision made by the airline, and they are responsible for compensating affected passengers.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

You have up to three years to claim compensation for a flight overbooking in Lithuania. However, acting sooner improves your chances of success, as airlines often challenge delayed claims.

Examples of Overbooking Cases in Lithuania

Passengers flying from Vilnius to Berlin on a budget airline were denied boarding due to overbooking. They were offered a flight the next morning but had to cover their overnight stay themselves. After filing a claim with Trouble Flight, they each received €250 in compensation and reimbursement for hotel expenses.

A group of travelers flying from Kaunas to Dublin was denied boarding. The airline initially refused compensation, blaming a technical error in reservations. However, after escalating the claim, each passenger was compensated €400.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get Compensation If I Accept an Alternative Flight?

Yes, but if the new flight arrives at your destination close to your original arrival time, the compensation may be reduced.

What If I Miss a Connection Due to Overbooking?

If you were booked on a connecting flight and missed it due to overbooking, you may also be eligible for compensation for the entire journey.

Does It Matter Which Airline I Flew With?

Any airline departing from Lithuania must comply with EC261, but for flights arriving in Lithuania, the airline must be EU-based for the regulation to apply.

Conclusion – Claim Your Compensation Now!

Overbooking is a frustrating experience, but knowing your rights can turn it into an opportunity to claim what you deserve. If you’ve been denied boarding in Lithuania, act now and secure your compensation. Trouble Flight makes the process simple – no hassle, just results!