I was bumped off an overbooked flight — what are my rights?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
The Air Passenger Bill of Rights (DOTC-DTI JAO No. 1, s. 2012) covers 'denied boarding' from overbooking. Before bumping anyone involuntarily, the airline must first ask for volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for benefits the airline offers, and disclose the conditions of that offer. If not enough passengers volunteer and you are denied boarding against your will, you are entitled to compensation plus your choice of rebooking to the next available flight (or another carrier) or a full refund of the fare, along with the usual delay amenities while you wait. Ask the airline to put the denied-boarding reason and your chosen remedy in writing, and keep your ticket and boarding documents. If the airline refuses to honor these entitlements, escalate to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
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Frequently asked
Must the airline ask for volunteers first?
Yes. Under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights the airline must first solicit passengers willing to give up their seats in exchange for the benefits it offers, and disclose the conditions, before it may deny boarding to anyone involuntarily.
What do I get if I'm bumped against my will?
Compensation plus your choice of rebooking to the next available flight (or endorsement to another carrier) or a full refund of your fare, along with the amenities owed for the resulting delay. Get the remedy in writing.
I volunteered to be bumped — is that different?
Yes. If you volunteer, your compensation is whatever benefit the airline offered and you accepted. Involuntary denied boarding carries the mandatory compensation-plus-rebooking/refund entitlement under the JAO.
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