Denied Boarding on Your Flight? Know Your Rights As A Passenger!

In April 2017, United Airlines sparked an outrage in the US by forcibly removing a passenger from an overbooked flight in Chicago.

If you think that something like this can never happen in India, Read on!

Airlines in India deny boarding to passengers if they have overbooked flights which is a common thing during peak travel seasons. Most travellers have no idea that they can be denied boarding even with a confirmed ticket. This is a very common thing and there are rules about it which are regularly updated.

Mishaps at the airport can strike at any time, and sometimes the best you can do is to expect the unexpected.

We at AirWhizz want to keep you well informed if you ever get stuck in such a situation.

Why Do Airlines Overbook?

Before we get into what you should do if you are bumped off a flight involuntarily, you need to know why you can be denied boarding a flight.

Airlines tend to overbook flights because they don’t want empty seats due to no-show (When people with confirmed tickets don’t show up on time) and the flight takes off with empty seats.

Can the Airlines do this?

YES, THEY CAN!

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, if more passengers are expected to report for a flight than the number of seats available on a particular day due to overbooking, airlines can deny boarding even if someone holds a confirmed booking and reports well within the specified time.

The DGCA also says that before denying a passenger on board for an overbooked flight, the airline must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats.

Seems Unfair Right?

Well! There are provisions for such situations.

The airline has to offer benefits if a passenger willingly lets his/her seat go. If you are bumped off against your wish, the airline is liable to pay monetary compensation according to the provisions decided by the DGCA.

What kind of Compensation are you entitled to?

Usually, airlines compensate the passenger with a ticket on an alternative flight scheduled to depart within one hour of the originally scheduled departure. If the airline fails to do so, They have to compensate you in the following way –

In case The Airline Arranges Alternate Flight scheduled to depart within 24 hours

• An amount equal to 200% of booked one-way basic fare
• Airline fuel charge
• Subject to maximum of INR 10,000

In case The Airline Arranges Alternate Flight scheduled to depart after 24 hours

• An amount equal to 400% of booked one-way basic fare
• Airline fuel charge
• Subject to maximum of INR 20,000,

In case passenger does not opt for alternate flight

• Refund of full value of ticket
• Compensation equal to 400% of booked one-way basic fare
• Airline fuel charge
• Subject to maximum of INR 20,000

How to avoid being Denied Boarding?

Follow these simple travel tips if you want to avoid being in this situation –

• Check-in Online.
• Learn about the refund policies of your airline.
• Find out the ‘Grievance Redressal’ process for such situations.
• Use AirSewa, an initiative launched by the government, to report any grievances related to flying in India.
• Reach the airport well before time especially during peak hours or peak-season flights.

So the next time you plan to fly and want to avoid such a situation, Look no further! Download The AirWhizz app and reach well on time by getting real-time flight updates on your phone. You can also read all about airline policies and information within the app.

Have a safe trip and fly stress-free!