Flight Overbooking Aegean: What to Do & How to Get Compensation

Aegean Airlines is one of Greece’s most recognized carriers, offering flights across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Known for its Mediterranean hospitality, Aegean is generally reliable—but, like most airlines, it sometimes overbooks flights. Overbooking is a common airline practice where more tickets are sold than available seats, anticipating that some passengers won’t show up. But when everyone does, some travelers get bumped off the flight involuntarily.

If you were denied boarding because your Aegean Airlines flight was overbooked, you might be entitled to compensation of up to 600€ per passenger under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to know about your rights, alternative travel options, and how to claim compensation hassle-free.

Why Does Aegean Airlines Overbook Flights?

Overbooking is an industry-wide practice meant to maximize seat occupancy. Airlines rely on historical data to predict that a small percentage of passengers won’t show up. However, when all ticketed passengers check in, the airline has to bump some travelers—often against their will.

The main reasons Aegean Airlines overbooks flights:

• Revenue Optimization: Airlines sell more seats than available, expecting some no-shows.

• Last-Minute Operational Changes: Flight consolidations or aircraft swaps with smaller planes can reduce available seats.

• Passenger No-Shows and Late Cancellations: The airline anticipates cancellations but occasionally miscalculates.

What Are Your Rights If Aegean Overbooked Your Flight?

As a passenger, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which outlines the compensation and assistance you’re entitled to if you are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking.

• Right to Compensation: Depending on the flight distance, you may receive 250€, 400€, or 600€ per passenger.

• Right to Rebooking or Refund: You can either get a full refund or be rebooked on the next available flight.

• Right to Care: If your alternative flight is later, Aegean Airlines must provide food, drinks, and hotel accommodation if necessary.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for Overbooking?

The compensation amount is based on the distance of your flight:

• 250€ for flights up to 1,500 km.

• 400€ for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.

• 600€ for flights over 3,500 km.

This applies only if you didn’t voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for vouchers or other benefits.

What to Do If Aegean Airlines Overbooked Your Flight

1. Do Not Accept Voluntary Compensation Too Quickly

If Aegean asks for volunteers to give up their seats, they may offer vouchers or other perks. However, voluntary acceptance means you give up your right to cash compensation under EU law. If you’re unsure, wait before accepting any offer.

2. Request an Immediate Alternative Flight

Aegean is obligated to rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost. If the airline’s next flight is too far in the future, consider checking options with Sky Express, Ryanair, or Turkish Airlines, depending on your destination.

3. Ask for Meals and Accommodation If Necessary

If your rebooked flight is the next day, Aegean must provide a hotel stay and transport to and from the airport. If they don’t, keep your receipts to claim reimbursement later.

4. Keep Your Boarding Pass and Documents

Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any receipts for expenses like food and transport. You’ll need them when filing a compensation claim.

5. Check Your Compensation Eligibility with Trouble Flight

Instead of dealing with airline delays and bureaucracy, let Trouble Flight handle the claim for you. Our Compensation Calculator instantly checks if you’re eligible for up to 600€ per passenger.

Alternative Travel Options If Your Aegean Flight Is Overbooked

If Aegean’s rebooking options don’t work for you, here’s what you can do:

• Check Other Airlines: If you were flying from Athens, consider flights from Ryanair or Sky Express, which serve many of the same routes.

• Look at Nearby Airports: If you were flying from Thessaloniki, you could check flights from Sofia Airport, which is a short drive away.

• Train or Ferry Options: If traveling within Greece or to a nearby country, ferries and trains may be an alternative solution.

When Are You NOT Eligible for Compensation?

You are not entitled to compensation if:

• You voluntarily gave up your seat in exchange for airline vouchers, miles, or another benefit.

• You arrived late at the gate, missing the check-in deadline.

• Your flight was rebooked within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., within one hour of your original departure time).

However, even if you don’t qualify for compensation, you still have the right to rebooking or a refund.

How to Claim Compensation for an Aegean Overbooked Flight

Getting compensation from an airline isn’t always easy. They may reject claims, delay responses, or try to offer travel vouchers instead of cash. That’s where Trouble Flight comes in. We handle the legal process and make sure you get what you’re owed.

Our Process Is Simple:

1. Enter Your Flight Details – Use our Compensation Calculator to check if you’re eligible.

2. We Take Over – Our team negotiates with Aegean Airlines on your behalf.

3. Get Paid – If successful, you receive your compensation (minus our success-based fee).

And the best part? We work on a no-win, no-fee basis. If we don’t win, you don’t pay a thing.