What should I do after involuntary denied boarding?

Ask for a written reason, rerouting and the applicable compensation notice. Keep your check-in proof and distinguish involuntary bumping from a voluntary seat offer.

What to check

Check whether the flights were on one ticket, what the airline offered, and whether you agreed to give up a seat or take a new flight. Small differences in those facts can change the claim path.

What to do next

Contact the operating airline while the remaining itinerary can still be changed. Keep a copy of its offer and your response.

Official sources

• U.S. DOT: Bumping and oversales
• European Union / Your Europe: Air passenger rights