Munich, Germany’s bustling gateway to the world, is home to one of Europe’s busiest airports: Munich Airport (MUC). As a major hub for Lufthansa and other international airlines, it sees thousands of flights daily. Unfortunately, overbooking remains a frequent issue, leaving passengers stranded despite having a confirmed ticket.
If you’ve been denied boarding in Munich due to an overbooked flight, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. But what are your rights, and how can you ensure you get the money you deserve? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Overbooking happens when airlines sell more tickets than available seats, expecting some passengers to miss their flight. When everyone shows up, airlines are forced to deny boarding to some travelers.
Munich Airport, a key transit point for both business and leisure travelers, sees higher overbooking rates on certain routes, especially to major destinations like:
London, Paris, and New York (frequent business routes)
Mediterranean holiday spots (seasonal demand spikes)
Long-haul international connections (higher risk due to rebooking complexities)
If you’re denied boarding in Munich due to an overbooked flight, you have clear rights under EC 261/2004. The airline must offer:
€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 (outside the EU)
Free meals and refreshments
Hotel accommodation (if an overnight stay is needed)
Alternative flight options or a full refund
If you’re facing an overbooking situation at Munich Airport, consider checking flights from nearby Nuremberg Airport (NUE), which is just 1.5 hours away by train. Many low-cost carriers operate from Nuremberg, giving you more chances to reach your destination faster.
To get there:
Train: Direct trains run every hour from Munich Central Station (München Hbf) to Nuremberg.
Bus: FlixBus and regional bus services provide affordable transfers.
If your airline won’t rebook you, check alternative flights on Skyscanner or Google Flights—sometimes switching airports can be the fastest way home!
If the airline refuses to compensate you on the spot, don’t accept travel vouchers unless you’re happy with them. Instead, claim your cash compensation by following these steps:
Boarding pass and booking confirmation
Any written notice from the airline about overbooking
Receipts for extra expenses (food, transport, hotel)
You can file a claim directly with the airline, but they often delay or deny valid requests. To increase your chances, use a professional claim service like Trouble Flight, where legal experts handle everything for you.
Once the airline processes your claim, your compensation will be transferred to your account. In many cases, this process can take a few weeks, but Trouble Flight can speed it up!
If you accepted compensation or travel vouchers voluntarily, you may have signed away your right to additional claims. Always check the terms before agreeing!
If overbooking caused you to miss a connection, you may also be entitled to extra compensation for delays beyond the denied boarding claim.
Yes! Even if the airline put you on another flight, you can still claim compensation if your delay exceeded 3 hours.
An overbooked flight is frustrating, but you don’t have to accept it without a fight. Claim up to €600 today and get what you’re owed.