Overbooking in Romania – How to Get Compensation for Your Denied Boarding

When traveling from or to Romania, encountering an overbooked flight can be frustrating. Airlines routinely sell more tickets than available seats, hoping some passengers won’t show up. But what happens when everyone does? If you’re denied boarding due to overbooking, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

Why Does Overbooking Happen in Romania?

Overbooking is a common airline practice to maximize seat occupancy. It happens in Romania just like anywhere else in Europe, particularly with popular routes departing from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport (CLJ), or Iași International Airport (IAS). Airlines assume some passengers won’t show up, but when they do, they must choose who gets to fly and who doesn’t.

Your Rights Under EU Law

Romania, as an EU member, follows EC261/2004, which protects passengers from unfair treatment. If you were denied boarding because of overbooking, you may be entitled to:

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

• A refund or rerouting to your final destination.

• Free food, drinks, accommodation, and transport if your wait extends beyond a certain period.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked

1. Do Not Voluntarily Give Up Your Seat

Airlines often ask for volunteers to take a later flight. If you accept their offer, you may lose the right to monetary compensation. Instead, wait to see if you are forcibly denied boarding.

2. Ask for a Written Statement

Request an official document from the airline stating that you were denied boarding due to overbooking. This will be crucial for your compensation claim.

3. Keep Your Boarding Pass and Documents

Ensure you have proof of your booking, boarding pass, and any receipts for expenses due to delays caused by the overbooking.

4. Check Alternative Flights

If you need to reach your destination urgently, check alternative routes. For instance:

• If you’re flying from Bucharest OTP, consider checking flights from Sibiu (SBZ) or Constanța (CND), reachable by train or car in a few hours.

• If you’re in Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), look at flights from Timișoara (TSR).

• In Iași (IAS)? Try Bacău (BCM) or Chișinău (KIV), Moldova, just a short drive away.

Can You Get Compensation for Overbooking in Romania?

Yes! If you were denied boarding involuntarily, you have the legal right to claim compensation. The process is straightforward:

1. Check if your flight qualifies (EU departure/arrival and airline-based in the EU).

2. Gather evidence (boarding pass, airline statement, receipts for additional costs).

3. Claim your compensation—you can do this directly or use a specialized service like Trouble Flight, which simplifies the process for you.

How Long Do You Have to Claim?

In Romania, you can claim compensation for overbooking up to three years after your flight. But the sooner you act, the better!

Common Airline Tactics to Avoid Paying

Airlines may try to avoid paying compensation by:

• Offering travel vouchers instead of cash.

• Claiming extraordinary circumstances (which don’t apply to overbooking!).

• Asking you to sign a waiver—don’t sign anything without reviewing your rights!

Final Thoughts

Overbooking is an airline's problem, not yours. If you've been affected, don’t leave money on the table! Make your claim today and get up to €600 for the inconvenience. Whether you were flying from Bucharest, Cluj, Iași, or any other airport in Romania, you have rights—use them!