Was your Brussels Airlines flight overbooked? Read our comprehensive article to find out how to file a compensation claim!
Brussels Airlines Overbooking Woes: How to Get Compensation When Your Flight Is Full
Brussels Airlines has become quite popular, flying more than 11 million passengers over half a year. This is more than a 6% increase compared to last year, but it also suggests a greater chance of an overbooked flight. Despite their aircraft only having a specific number of seats available, Brussels Airlines sells more spots than they have to protect against no-shows.
If their calculations are right, all seats will be accounted for, and no one will be left out. However, if they are wrong, ticket holders may be denied their seats because the flight was full. If this happens, you can file for a Brussels Airlines overbooking claim and get compensated for your flight disruption.
What Are Your Rights?
As a passenger flying with Brussels Airlines, you are protected under EC 261/2004. This regulation covers passengers flying to and from the European Union, and since Brussels Airlines is headquartered within the EU, you are protected. The only issue is that you will have to ask for your rights because Brussels Airlines will be in no hurry to give you compensation on its own.
The only time when Brussels Airlines may not be legally required to pay you back is if the circumstance was your fault or deemed as “extraordinary.” For example, if you showed up with an expired passport or no boarding pass, they have the right to turn you away. Similarly, if something such as a hurricane or a terrorist attack creates a security risk, they could cancel a flight or delay the boarding. However, if they turn you away because they sold too many tickets, it’s entirely on them.
The amount you are entitled to depends on the type of your flight, or more specifically, the distance you were supposed to go over. Depending on the ticket price, you may get up to 400% more in flight compensation. So, was your Brussels Airlines flight overbooked? Based on different circumstances, you can become eligible for the following:
- 250 EUR: If the flight was domestic and covered less than 1,500 km
- 400 EUR: If the flight was medium-haul and covered between 1,500 and 3,500 km
- 600 EUR: If the flight was international and covered more than 3,500 km
Keep in mind that the compensation rights kick in the moment you land at your final destination (or never arrive at all). If they fail to find you an alternative flight that gets you there with more than a 3-hour delay, then you get the right to file for Brussels Airlines Overbooking compensation.
Steps for Brussels Airlines Claim Compensation
Filing for compensation is very simple nowadays, as most air passengers can do it through a flight claim company such as StopDelay. Considering that Brussels Airlines will go through every loophole to make sure you don’t get their money, it’s much better to get help from someone who understands the law.
That said, to ensure you get everything you are entitled to, you must gather all the proof in one place. You should also make sure you don’t do something that could accidentally make you ineligible for the overbooking compensation. Here are the steps that you’ll want to take:
1. Hang Onto Your Seat
Before denying your boarding, the flight attendants will generally start asking around if any passengers are willing to take a later flight. They might even ask you personally if they believe you are interested. In exchange, they will offer you travel vouchers and other benefits. Of course, if you feel like their offer sounds tempting, you can take it. Still, bear in mind that you may be able to get more in Brussels Airlines ticket compensation.
2. Collect the Proof
Now, you need to prove that you were denied boarding the aircraft despite holding a valid ticket. This can be a written report from the flight attendant or an email informing you of the situation. Whatever evidence you may have, even if it’s a video, might support your case.
3. Gather Your Travel Documents
Next, you need to prove that you were indeed supposed to be an air passenger on that flight. Get your ticket and boarding pass, along with other documents relevant to that flight. If the denied boarding caused you to spend more money than was necessary at the airport, be sure to provide the receipts as well.
4. File the Claim
With all the documents together, it is time to go for Brussels Airlines claim compensation.Once you provide the documents, the airline has about one month to respond and return your money.
The Bottom Line
Being denied boarding after paying for a ticket is a nightmare no air passenger should ever have to go through. Luckily, you can be compensated for your trouble should this happen! You just need to grab the justice reins and start a compensation process!