Flight Overbooking at Malpensa: Your Rights & How to Get Compensation

Discovering Malpensa Airport and What Overbooking Means for You

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the busiest international gateway in northern Italy, connecting travelers to major destinations worldwide. As a crucial hub for airlines like ITA Airways, easyJet, and Lufthansa, Malpensa sees thousands of flights daily. However, this high demand also brings a common airline practice: flight overbooking.

Overbooking occurs when airlines sell more tickets than available seats, anticipating that some passengers won’t show up. But what happens when everyone checks in? If you’re denied boarding due to overbooking at Malpensa, you could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

Let’s dive into your rights, how to claim compensation, and even alternative travel options if you're stuck at Malpensa.

Your Rights in Case of Overbooking at Malpensa

If your flight from Malpensa is overbooked and you’re denied boarding, airlines must compensate you unless you voluntarily gave up your seat in exchange for benefits. The compensation amount depends on your flight distance:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km

• €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (or intra-EU flights over 1,500 km)

• €600 for flights over 3,500 km

Additionally, you are entitled to:
✔ A seat on the next available flight at no extra cost
✔ Free meals and refreshments
✔ Hotel accommodation if the new flight is the next day
✔ Two free phone calls or emails

What to Do If Your Flight is Overbooked at Malpensa

If you are denied boarding at Malpensa due to overbooking, follow these steps immediately:

1. Do not accept travel vouchers too quickly – Airlines often offer vouchers instead of monetary compensation, but you have the right to demand cash.

2. Request a written confirmation from the airline stating that the denial was due to overbooking.

3. Ask for immediate rebooking – If you have urgent travel needs, request an alternative flight as soon as possible.

4. Keep all receipts – If you incur expenses due to delays (hotels, transport, food), keep your receipts. The airline should reimburse you.

5. File a compensation claim – You can do this yourself or let experts handle it for free, only paying if you win.

Stuck at Malpensa? Consider Other Options!

If your flight is overbooked and you need an alternative, checking departures from Milan Linate (LIN) or Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) might save you time.

• Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is just 50 minutes away by train and metro. Many domestic and European flights operate from there.

• Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY), about an hour’s drive from Malpensa, is a hub for Ryanair and other low-cost airlines.

How to reach them? Take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale and transfer to buses heading to Linate or Bergamo. Some airlines even provide free transfers in case of overbooking.

Airlines Most Frequently Overbooking at Malpensa

While overbooking can happen on any airline, some carriers are more notorious for this practice at Malpensa. Based on recent passenger reports, the following airlines often deny boarding due to overbooking:

• ITA Airways (on both domestic and international routes)

• Lufthansa (especially flights to Frankfurt and Munich)

• Emirates (long-haul flights to Dubai)

• Air France & KLM (flights via Paris and Amsterdam)

• easyJet & Ryanair (low-cost routes within Europe)

If you booked with these airlines and got denied boarding, act quickly to claim your compensation!

Can Overbooking Be Avoided?

While you can’t completely prevent an airline from overbooking, these tips might help you avoid getting bumped:

• Check in online as early as possible – The last passengers to check in are more likely to be denied boarding.

• Join an airline loyalty program – Frequent flyers and premium members are given priority.

• Book directly with the airline rather than third-party travel sites, which may have less priority in overbooking situations.

• Avoid peak travel times – Flights around holidays and weekends are more likely to be overbooked.

How to Claim Your Compensation for Overbooking at Malpensa

Getting your compensation should be straightforward, but airlines often make it difficult. That’s where expert help comes in. We take care of everything for you—no upfront fees!

1. Submit your details online – Just provide your flight info and reason for denial.

2. We handle the legal process – Our experts deal directly with the airline.

3. Get your money – If successful, you receive up to €600 compensation directly into your account!

Don’t let airlines take advantage of you. If you were overbooked at Malpensa, claim what’s yours today!