Flight Overbooking in Prague – What to Do and How to Get Compensation

Understanding Flight Overbooking in Prague

If you’ve ever experienced a flight overbooking in Prague, you know how frustrating and inconvenient it can be. Overbooking is a common airline practice where more tickets are sold than the available seats, banking on the likelihood that some passengers won’t show up. While this maximizes airline profits, it often results in denied boarding for unsuspecting travelers. But did you know that you could be entitled to financial compensation of up to €600?

Prague is one of Central Europe's most visited destinations, with Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) handling millions of passengers annually. As a major transit hub, overbooking issues are not uncommon. If you find yourself stranded due to an overbooked flight, understanding your rights and available alternatives can make a huge difference.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Overbooking happens because airlines use statistical data to estimate the number of passengers who won’t show up for their flights. However, when more passengers arrive than expected, some are left without a seat. While airlines typically ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for perks like vouchers, hotel stays, or rebookings, passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding have legal rights under European law.

Your Rights Under EC261 for Overbooked Flights

Under EU Regulation EC261, if your flight was overbooked in Prague and you were denied boarding involuntarily, you may be entitled to:

• Compensation between €250 and €600, depending on the flight distance.

• Alternative transportation to your destination or a full refund.

• Meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation (if necessary) while you wait.

• Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes to arrange your travel plans.

The compensation amounts are as follows:

Important: Compensation is due only if the airline did not find you an alternative flight that reaches your final destination within a certain time frame.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked in Prague

1. Stay Calm and Gather Information

If you’re told your flight is overbooked, ask the airline representative:

• Why were you denied boarding?

• What alternatives are being offered?

• What compensation or vouchers are provided?

2. Do NOT Accept the First Offer Without Knowing Your Rights

Airlines may try to offer travel vouchers or a hotel stay instead of cash compensation. You have the right to request financial compensation under EC261 instead of accepting alternative benefits.

3. Check for Alternative Flights from Nearby Airports

If you're stuck in Prague due to an overbooked flight, consider checking flights from Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ) or Dresden Airport (DRS). Some airlines operate routes from these nearby airports, and traveling there might get you to your destination faster.

• Getting to Brno Airport: Take a train from Prague to Brno (about 2.5 hours) and then a taxi or public bus.

• Getting to Dresden Airport: There are direct trains from Prague to Dresden (approx. 2 hours), and from there, the airport is a short ride away.

4. Keep All Travel Documents

Ensure you keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline regarding your denied boarding. This will be critical when filing a claim.

5. File a Compensation Claim

If you were denied boarding due to overbooking in Prague, you can file a claim online through Trouble Flight. Our experts handle the legal process on your behalf, ensuring you receive your rightful compensation without the hassle of negotiating with the airline.

Airlines Frequently Overbooking Flights in Prague

While all airlines can overbook flights, some are known to do so more frequently. Based on passenger reports, these airlines have had recurring overbooking issues in Prague:

• Ryanair

• Wizz Air

• Lufthansa

• Air France

• KLM

• British Airways

If you’re flying with one of these airlines and have been denied boarding, it’s worth checking your eligibility for compensation.

Common Overbooking Scenarios at Prague Airport

Short-Haul Flights

Many budget airlines operate from Prague, and they often overbook flights to destinations like London, Paris, and Rome. These flights tend to have high demand, and missing passengers are rare, increasing the risk of overbooking.

Long-Haul and Transatlantic Flights

Flights to New York, Dubai, and Bangkok from Prague are also frequently overbooked. Because these flights have tight schedules, being denied boarding can lead to significant delays in reaching your final destination.

Business Travelers and Last-Minute Bookings

If you’ve booked a last-minute ticket for a business trip, you might be more vulnerable to getting bumped, as airlines often prioritize frequent flyers and those who checked in earlier.

How to Reduce the Risk of Being Overbooked

While there’s no guaranteed way to avoid overbooking, these steps can help reduce your chances of being denied boarding:

• Check-in online as early as possible. The later you check in, the higher the chance you’ll be left without a seat.

• Arrive at the airport early. Even if you checked in online, arriving early gives you a better chance of securing your seat.

• Join the airline’s frequent flyer program. Airlines tend to prioritize loyal customers.

• Avoid booking basic economy fares. These tickets are often the first to be bumped.

What Happens If You Accept an Airline’s Offer Instead of Compensation?

Some passengers choose to accept airline vouchers or upgrades instead of claiming cash compensation. However, before accepting an offer, consider the following:

• Vouchers often come with restrictions and blackout dates.

• They may expire before you get a chance to use them.

• A cash payout can be used however you like, including booking a new flight immediately.

If you've already accepted a voucher but feel you should have received compensation, consult with Trouble Flight to see if you're still eligible to claim money.

Conclusion: Claim Your Compensation Today

Flight overbooking in Prague is not just an inconvenience—it’s a violation of your passenger rights under EC261. If you've been denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation.

Don't let the airline keep what's rightfully yours. Submit your claim now with Trouble Flight and get the compensation you deserve!