Flight Overbooking in Warsaw – Know Your Rights & Claim Compensation

Overbooked Flight in Warsaw? Here’s What to Do

Flight overbooking is a common issue in air travel, leaving passengers stranded at the airport. If you’ve been denied boarding in Warsaw, don’t accept your fate just yet—you could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EC261/2004, the European regulation protecting air passengers.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Airlines deliberately oversell tickets, knowing that a small percentage of passengers won’t show up. However, when all ticketed passengers do arrive, the airline has more travelers than available seats, leading to involuntary denials of boarding.

This is especially common on popular routes such as Warsaw to London, Warsaw to Frankfurt, or Warsaw to Paris, where high demand increases the chances of overbooking.

Immediate Steps to Take if You’re Denied Boarding

If your flight from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) is overbooked and you’re denied boarding against your will, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Do Not Voluntarily Give Up Your Seat

Airlines often ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for vouchers or flight rescheduling. However, if you voluntarily accept compensation, you might waive your right to an EC261 cash claim. If you're denied boarding involuntarily, the airline is legally obligated to compensate you.

2. Request a Written Confirmation

Ask for a denied boarding statement from the airline. This official document confirms that you were removed from the flight due to overbooking, which is crucial when filing a compensation claim.

3. Claim Immediate Benefits

You are entitled to:

• A choice between an alternative flight or a full ticket refund.

• Food, drinks, and hotel accommodation (if your replacement flight is delayed overnight).

• Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes to notify someone of your situation.

4. Check if You Qualify for Compensation

Under EC261, you could receive up to €600 in compensation, depending on the flight distance:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km.

• €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and non-EU flights between 1,500-3,500 km.

• €600 for flights beyond 3,500 km.

If your flight was from Warsaw to New York, Dubai, or Bangkok, you could be eligible for the highest payout.

Alternative Travel Options in Warsaw

If your flight is overbooked and the next available flight is hours away, consider alternative airports and airlines:

Warsaw Chopin Airport vs. Warsaw Modlin Airport

Warsaw has two major airports:

• Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): The main international airport.

• Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI): Serves mainly low-cost airlines like Ryanair.

If your flight was overbooked at Chopin Airport, check for flights from Modlin Airport. Many budget airlines offer flights to European cities at short notice.

How to Travel Between the Airports

• Train: Direct train from Warsaw city center to both airports.

• Bus: Multiple shuttle services connect the two airports.

• Taxi: A direct taxi ride takes about 45 minutes.

Common Overbooked Routes from Warsaw

Some of the busiest and most overbooked routes from Warsaw include:

• Warsaw to London Heathrow (LHR) – High demand for business and tourism.

• Warsaw to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Frequent overbooking due to strong airline competition.

• Warsaw to Frankfurt (FRA) – A major transit hub for international flights.

How to Claim Your Compensation

Claiming your overbooking compensation is simple:

1. Gather your documents: Flight ticket, boarding pass, denied boarding statement.

2. Submit your claim: Contact the airline directly or use a claim service.

3. Receive your payout: If successful, you could get €250–€600 in your account.

Don't let an overbooked flight ruin your trip—claim your compensation now and get the money you deserve!

If you were denied boarding at Warsaw’s airports due to overbooking, you have rights. Claim up to €600 today!