Flight Overbooking in Wrocław – Your Rights & How to Get Compensation

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

Wrocław, a charming city in western Poland, is a popular departure point for both business and leisure travelers. With its growing international connections via Copernicus Airport Wrocław (WRO), airlines often oversell tickets, leaving some passengers stranded due to flight overbooking. If this has happened to you, don’t panic—you may be entitled to compensation under EC261/2004, the European regulation that protects air passengers.

In this guide, we’ll explain your rights, how much you can claim, and what steps you should take immediately after being denied boarding due to overbooking at Wrocław Airport.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Airlines often sell more tickets than available seats, expecting that some passengers will not show up. This strategy helps them maximize profits but can leave unlucky passengers stranded at the airport. If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you might be entitled to compensation—even if the airline offers you an alternative flight.

Your Passenger Rights Under EC261

If your flight was overbooked and you were denied boarding against your will, the airline must:

• Offer you an alternative flight or a full refund

• Provide you with food, drinks, and hotel accommodation (if necessary)

• Pay you up to €600 in compensation, depending on the flight distance

Compensation Amounts for Overbooking in Wrocław

Example: If you were flying from Wrocław to London (Heathrow) and were denied boarding due to overbooking, you could claim €250. If your destination was Wrocław to New York, your compensation could go up to €600.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked in Wrocław?

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

1. Ask for a Written Statement – Request a document from the airline confirming that you were denied boarding due to overbooking.

2. Do Not Accept Vouchers Too Quickly – Airlines may offer travel vouchers instead of compensation. You have the right to refuse and claim cash compensation.

3. Keep Your Boarding Pass & Ticket – These documents are crucial for filing a compensation claim.

4. Ask About Alternative Flights – If another flight is available at Kraków Airport (KRK), it may be worth checking. A train or a FlixBus from Wrocław to Kraków takes around 3 hours.

5. Claim Your Compensation – Use a reliable service like Trouble Flight to check your eligibility and file your claim.

Can You Travel from Another Airport?

If you're stuck in Wrocław due to overbooking, you might want to explore flights from Kraków (KRK) or Poznań (POZ). These airports have international connections and might offer alternative flights with different airlines.

How to Get to Kraków or Poznań from Wrocław

• To Kraków Airport (KRK): Take a train from Wrocław Główny to Kraków, then an airport bus. The total journey takes about 3 hours.

• To Poznań Airport (POZ): FlixBus runs direct routes, and the travel time is around 2.5 hours.

If you find a flight from these airports, you might recover travel costs from the airline, especially if they failed to provide a reasonable alternative.

Common Airlines Overbooking in Wrocław

Some airlines are more notorious for overbooking flights. Based on past cases, here are the carriers frequently involved in overbooking claims at Wrocław Airport:

• Ryanair

• Lufthansa

• LOT Polish Airlines

• Wizz Air

• KLM

If you flew with one of these airlines and were denied boarding, there's a good chance you're eligible for compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get Compensation If I Accepted an Alternative Flight?

Yes! Even if you accept another flight, you can still claim compensation as long as the delay to your final destination is more than 3 hours.

Does Overbooking Compensation Apply to Non-EU Flights?

Yes, if your flight departed from an EU airport (like Wrocław) or was operated by an EU airline arriving in the EU.

How Long Do I Have to Claim?

In Poland, you have up to 3 years from the flight date to file a compensation claim.

How to Claim Compensation for an Overbooked Flight in Wrocław

If you’ve been denied boarding due to overbooking at Wrocław Airport, don’t let the airline keep what you’re owed. Claim up to €600 in compensation by following these simple steps:

1. Check your eligibility – Use our free tool to see if you qualify.

2. Submit your claim – Provide your flight details, and we’ll handle the legal process.

3. Get paid – Once approved, receive your compensation directly to your bank account.

Airlines don’t make claiming easy, but we do! Start your claim now.