Flight Overbooking in Poprad: Your Rights and How to Claim Compensation

Poprad, a charming city nestled in northern Slovakia, is known for its breathtaking views of the High Tatras mountains and its rich cultural history. While its airport, Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT), offers convenient access to this beautiful region, travelers occasionally face the frustrating issue of flight overbooking. If you’ve been denied boarding due to an overbooked flight from Poprad, you might be entitled to compensation—up to €600 under European regulations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about overbooked flights from Poprad, your rights as a passenger, and how to maximize your compensation.

What Is Flight Overbooking?

Airlines often sell more tickets than available seats on a flight, anticipating that some passengers won’t show up. While this practice helps airlines fill seats and maintain profitability, it can lead to passengers being involuntarily denied boarding—a frustrating experience for any traveler.

If you were denied boarding at Poprad-Tatry Airport due to overbooking, don't worry. European Union Regulation EC 261/2004 offers strong protections and entitles you to compensation, depending on the flight distance and other factors.

Am I Eligible for Compensation?

If your flight departed from Poprad and you were denied boarding against your will, you could be eligible for compensation if:

• You had a valid ticket and arrived at the gate on time.

• The flight was departing from an EU airport or arriving in the EU with an EU-based airline.

• You did not volunteer to give up your seat in exchange for airline-provided benefits.

Compensation Amounts Based on Distance:

• €250 for flights under 1,500 km.

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

• €600 for flights over 3,500 km.

In addition to financial compensation, you are also entitled to assistance such as meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation (if necessary), and transport between the airport and your accommodation.

What to Do if You’re Overbooked at Poprad-Tatry Airport

Here’s what you should do immediately if you’re denied boarding due to overbooking:

1. Request Written Confirmation
   Ask the airline for a written statement confirming that the denial was due to overbooking.

2. Keep All Documents
   Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any receipts for expenses incurred due to the overbooking (meals, transport, accommodation).

3. Ask for Re-routing Options
   The airline should offer you an alternative flight at no extra cost. If there are no convenient flights from Poprad, you can ask about flights from nearby airports, such as Košice International Airport (KSC), located about 125 km from Poprad. The airline might cover transport costs between airports.

4. File a Compensation Claim
   Contact Trouble Flight to handle the compensation process on your behalf. Our team specializes in securing the maximum payout for denied boarding cases.

Alternative Airports Near Poprad: Expanding Your Options

If you’re struggling to find a suitable flight from Poprad after being overbooked, consider flying from Košice International Airport or even Bratislava Airport (BTS), though the latter requires a longer journey (approximately 3.5 hours by car).

How to Reach Košice from Poprad:

• By train: Direct trains from Poprad to Košice take approximately 2 hours.

• By car: Driving from Poprad to Košice takes about 1.5 hours via the D1 highway.

Exploring flights from other airports might not only get you to your destination faster but could also open opportunities for cheaper fares with different airlines.

Why Does Flight Overbooking Happen in Poprad?

Even though Poprad-Tatry Airport is smaller than major international hubs, overbooking can still happen. Common reasons include:

• Seasonal Travel Peaks: Poprad attracts many tourists during ski season and summer holidays.

• Limited Flight Options: Fewer daily flights mean overbooking issues are more noticeable.

• High Demand for Charter Flights: Some airlines overbook charter flights catering to ski enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Regardless of the reason, EU laws ensure you’re protected and eligible for compensation.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Compensation?

You have up to 3 years from the date of your overbooked flight to file a compensation claim in Slovakia. However, it’s best to act as soon as possible, as evidence like boarding passes or written confirmations can be misplaced over time.

What Happens If the Airline Offers Travel Vouchers?

Airlines often try to settle overbooking cases quickly by offering vouchers or discounts on future flights instead of financial compensation. While this might seem convenient, vouchers often come with restrictions or expiry dates.

Pro Tip: You’re legally entitled to request monetary compensation under EU regulation EC 261/2004. Accepting vouchers might waive your right to claim full financial compensation.

Can You Claim Compensation for Connecting Flights?

Yes, if your overbooked flight from Poprad was part of a larger journey involving connecting flights, you might be eligible for compensation if:

• The flights were booked under a single reservation.

• The final destination was reached with a delay of 3 hours or more due to overbooking.

For example, if you were flying from Poprad to London with a connection in Vienna, and the overbooking caused you to miss your connecting flight, you may be entitled to compensation for the entire journey.

Why Choose Trouble Flight to Handle Your Claim?

At Trouble Flight, we specialize in helping air passengers secure compensation for flight disruptions, including overbooking. Here’s why travelers trust us:

• No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless we win your case.

• Fast Claims Process: We handle all the paperwork and negotiations with airlines.

• Expert Legal Team: We understand the intricacies of EU regulations.

• Transparent Process: Real-time updates on your claim status.

Our goal is to ensure you get the money you’re entitled to without the stress of dealing with airlines yourself.

How to File a Compensation Claim with Trouble Flight

Filing a claim is simple:

1. Submit Your Flight Details
   Provide us with your booking reference, flight number, and any relevant documentation.

2. We Handle the Paperwork
   Our legal team will take over, contacting the airline and pushing for the highest possible compensation.

3. Get Paid
   Once the claim is settled, you’ll receive your money directly into your account.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Flight Overbooking Ruin Your Trip from Poprad

Flight overbooking can be incredibly frustrating, especially when traveling from smaller airports like Poprad-Tatry Airport. But remember, European laws are on your side, and you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600.

Whether you’re visiting Poprad for its stunning mountain views or setting off on a business trip, Trouble Flight is here to help you claim what’s rightfully yours. Start your claim today and let us handle the rest—because your time (and money) matters.