Flight Overbooking in Vilnius – What to Do & How to Claim Compensation

Overbooked Flight in Vilnius? Here’s What You Need to Know

Flying from Vilnius International Airport (VNO) should be the beginning of a smooth journey, but sometimes, airlines sell more tickets than available seats, leaving passengers stranded due to overbooking. If this happened to you, don't worry—you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

But how does overbooking work, and what can you do next? This guide will help you understand your rights, maximize your claim, and get to your destination as soon as possible.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Airlines overbook flights because they expect some passengers not to show up. They calculate the "no-show" rate based on past data, but sometimes, everyone arrives, which creates a problem—not enough seats for the number of ticketed passengers.

When this happens, airlines first look for volunteers who accept compensation in exchange for taking a later flight. But if no one volunteers, some passengers are denied boarding involuntarily—that’s where your right to compensation comes in.

Your Passenger Rights in Case of Flight Overbooking in Vilnius

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to:

✅ Compensation between €250 and €600, depending on flight distance
✅ A replacement flight or a full refund
✅ Meals and refreshments while waiting
✅ Accommodation if the new flight departs the next day
✅ Free transport to and from the airport if accommodation is provided

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

• Flights up to 1,500 km → €250

• Flights between 1,500 km – 3,500 km → €400

• Flights over 3,500 km → €600

Most European flights departing from Vilnius Airport fall within the €250 – €400 compensation range, but if you’re flying long-haul, you could claim €600!

What to Do If Your Flight from Vilnius Is Overbooked

If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, follow these steps to maximize your claim:

1. Do Not Voluntarily Give Up Your Seat

If you volunteer, you accept the airline’s offer, which usually means you lose the right to the full EC 261 compensation. If you are in no rush, try negotiating a better offer (higher compensation, lounge access, meal vouchers, or business class upgrades).

2. Get a Written Confirmation of Denied Boarding

Ask the airline for a written statement confirming that you were denied boarding due to overbooking. This document strengthens your compensation claim.

3. Request Immediate Assistance

Airlines must provide you with:
✔️ A new ticket for an alternative flight
✔️ Meals and drinks while you wait
✔️ A hotel stay if the new flight is the next day
✔️ Transport between the hotel and the airport

4. Keep Your Boarding Pass and Travel Documents

These documents serve as proof that you had a valid ticket and were ready to board.

5. Claim Compensation—Get Up to €600!

You have up to 3 years to claim your EU 261 compensation. However, it's best to act fast—the sooner you claim, the better your chances of getting paid quickly.

Alternative Airports Near Vilnius – Get to Your Destination Faster

If you're stuck due to overbooking in Vilnius, consider checking alternative flights from nearby airports:

• Kaunas International Airport (KUN) – Just 100 km away, Kaunas Airport often has low-cost flights to major European destinations.

• Riga International Airport (RIX) – About 300 km away, Riga offers many international connections and can be reached via bus or train.

How to Get to Kaunas or Riga from Vilnius?

🚗 Car rental – Available at Vilnius Airport.
🚌 Bus services – Direct routes to Kaunas and Riga operate daily.
🚆 Train – A fast and affordable way to reach Kaunas.

If you urgently need to reach your destination, checking for flights from Kaunas or Riga could save valuable time!

Airlines Operating from Vilnius Airport That Overbook Flights

Some airlines have a higher rate of overbooking than others. Based on passenger reports, here are some of the airlines most frequently involved in denied boarding cases at Vilnius International Airport:

✈️ Ryanair
✈️ Wizz Air
✈️ LOT Polish Airlines
✈️ Lufthansa
✈️ Turkish Airlines
✈️ Finnair

These airlines must compensate passengers when overbooking occurs, so don’t hesitate to claim what you’re owed.

How Long Does It Take to Get Compensation?

The time to process a claim depends on the airline, but it can range from a few weeks to a few months. If the airline refuses to pay, we may escalate your claim through legal channels.

With Trouble Flight, you don’t have to worry about paperwork—we handle everything! No win, no fee!

Final Thoughts – Don’t Let an Overbooked Flight in Vilnius Cost You Money

If you were denied boarding at Vilnius Airport, you have rights. Airlines overbook flights all the time, but that doesn’t mean you should accept inconvenience without compensation.

Check if you're eligible for up to €600 and let Trouble Flight fight for your compensation. It only takes a few minutes to submit your claim, and you pay nothing unless we win!