Flight Overbooking with Aerolíneas Argentinas: What to Do If You’re Denied Boarding

Aerolíneas Argentinas is Argentina’s national airline, connecting South America with North America and Europe. While it provides reliable service, overbooking is a common issue across the airline industry. If you arrived at the airport, ready to board, only to be told there was no seat for you, you may be entitled to compensation under European Regulation EC261/2004.

Why Does Aerolíneas Argentinas Overbook Flights?

Overbooking happens when airlines sell more tickets than available seats, expecting some passengers to miss their flights. This strategy maximizes revenue, but when everyone shows up, some travelers are denied boarding.

Aerolíneas Argentinas, like many airlines, follows this practice, but if you were involuntarily denied boarding, you may be eligible for up to €600 in compensation.

Your Rights If You’re Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking

Under EC261/2004, if your flight departed from an EU airport, you are entitled to:

• A refund or an alternative flight to your destination.

• Meals and refreshments while waiting.

• Hotel accommodation if your new flight is the next day.

• Transport to and from the hotel, if applicable.

• Financial compensation, unless you voluntarily gave up your seat.

Compensation Breakdown

If you were denied boarding against your will, you could claim:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km (e.g., Buenos Aires to Córdoba).

• €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km (e.g., Buenos Aires to Lima).

• €600 for flights over 3,500 km (e.g., Madrid to Buenos Aires).

What to Do If Your Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight Is Overbooked

1. Ask About Alternative Flights

Aerolíneas Argentinas must rebook you on the next available flight. If not, check options with LATAM, Iberia, or Air Europa.

2. Consider Nearby Airports

If you were flying from Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), check Aeroparque (AEP) for flights. If traveling from Madrid, you might find options from Barcelona or Lisbon.

3. Know Your Right to Compensation

If you didn’t volunteer to give up your seat, you are legally entitled to compensation. Request a written statement confirming that you were denied boarding due to overbooking.

4. Keep Receipts for Extra Expenses

If Aerolíneas Argentinas doesn’t provide accommodation, meals, or transport, keep your receipts to claim reimbursement later.

Can You Refuse to Give Up Your Seat?

Airlines often offer vouchers or upgrades in exchange for volunteers giving up their seats. If you don’t accept, and you’re still denied boarding, you are entitled to monetary compensation instead of a voucher.

Tip: Vouchers may be worth less than the cash compensation you’re legally entitled to, so choose wisely!

How to Claim Compensation for Overbooking

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Use the Trouble Flight Compensation Calculator to verify if you qualify for compensation. You’ll need:

• Your flight details (date, number, and route).

• Proof of denied boarding.

Step 2: Submit Your Claim

If you qualify, Trouble Flight will handle your claim, negotiating directly with Aerolíneas Argentinas.

Step 3: Receive Your Compensation

If your claim is successful, you’ll receive compensation directly. Trouble Flight operates on a no-win, no-fee basis.

How to Avoid Getting Bumped on an Overbooked Flight

• Check-in Early: Passengers who check in last are more likely to be bumped.

• Book Directly with the Airline: Third-party bookings may have lower boarding priority.

• Choose Business or Premium Economy: Economy passengers are the first to be bumped.

• Join the Airline’s Frequent Flyer Program: Loyalty members are often prioritized.

Final Thought

If your Aerolíneas Argentinas flight was overbooked and you were denied boarding, you don’t have to accept the inconvenience without compensation. Check your eligibility today and claim what you’re entitled to!