Flight Overbooking in Moldova: Your Rights and How to Get Compensation

Understanding Flight Overbooking in Moldova

Air travel in Moldova is growing rapidly, with Chisinau International Airport (KIV) handling thousands of passengers daily. Unfortunately, with this rise in traffic comes an increase in flight overbooking. Airlines often sell more tickets than available seats, leaving some passengers stranded. If this happens to you, don’t panic—you might be entitled to financial compensation.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Overbooking is a common practice in the airline industry, where airlines sell more tickets than there are seats, expecting some passengers to miss their flights. However, when everyone shows up, some travelers are denied boarding. If you’re one of them, you have rights under EC261/2004, a European regulation that Moldova follows due to its agreements with the EU.

What Compensation Can You Claim for Overbooking?

If you are denied boarding due to overbooking on a flight departing from or arriving in Moldova (with an EU carrier), you could be eligible for:

• 250€ for flights under 1,500 km

• 400€ for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km

• 600€ for flights over 3,500 km

Additionally, airlines must offer you alternative flights or a full refund, along with care (meals, accommodation, and transport if necessary).

How to Claim Compensation for an Overbooked Flight in Moldova

If you’ve been denied boarding due to overbooking, follow these steps:

1. Get Written Proof – Ask the airline to provide a written statement confirming you were denied boarding due to overbooking.

2. Keep Your Documents – Save your boarding pass, ticket, and any communication with the airline.

3. Ask for Immediate Assistance – Airlines must provide food, drinks, and accommodation if necessary.

4. Check Alternative Routes – If your flight is overbooked at Chisinau Airport, consider flights from Iași International Airport (IAS) in Romania, which is just a two-hour drive away. Many low-cost airlines operate there, giving you a better chance to reach your destination sooner.

5. File a Compensation Claim – You can do this directly with the airline or use a service like Trouble Flight to handle the process for you.

How to Get from Chisinau to Iași Airport for an Alternative Flight

If your flight is overbooked and you need an urgent alternative, Iași Airport could be your best backup option. Here’s how to get there:

• By Bus: Direct buses run between Chisinau and Iași, taking about 3 hours.

• By Car: A taxi or rental car can get you there in under 2 hours.

• By Train: Though slower, a train connects Chisinau to Iași with a scenic route.

Checking flights from Iași may save you time and prevent missed business meetings or vacation plans.

Can Airlines Deny You Compensation?

Airlines may refuse compensation in specific situations, such as:

• If you voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for benefits.

• If the airline provides an alternative flight that gets you to your destination within a reasonable timeframe.

• If the overbooking was caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., security threats, medical emergencies).

However, in most overbooking cases, the airline must compensate you.

Most Commonly Overbooked Flights from Moldova

Certain routes are more prone to overbooking, including:

• Chisinau to London (Luton, Stansted, Heathrow)

• Chisinau to Frankfurt

• Chisinau to Paris (CDG, BVA)

• Chisinau to Istanbul

Flights to major transit hubs are often overbooked due to high demand and frequent no-shows.

How Trouble Flight Can Help You Get Your Money

At Trouble Flight, we specialize in helping passengers claim compensation hassle-free. Here’s why travelers in Moldova choose us:

• No Win, No Fee: You only pay if we successfully secure your compensation.

• Fast Processing: We handle all negotiations with the airline.

• Expert Legal Support: If needed, we take legal action on your behalf.

Final Advice: Act Fast to Secure Your Rights

If your flight was overbooked, don’t accept excuses. You have rights, and airlines must comply with regulations. Claim what is owed to you today and turn your travel inconvenience into cash!