Flight Overbooking in Kirkwall – Know Your Rights & Claim Compensation

Understanding Flight Overbooking at Kirkwall Airport

Kirkwall Airport (KOI) serves as the main gateway to the Orkney Islands, a stunning archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland. Despite its small size, the airport connects travelers to major cities like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow. However, due to limited flights and high demand, overbooking can be a frustrating reality for passengers. Airlines sell more tickets than available seats, hoping that some travelers won’t show up. When this gamble fails, passengers are denied boarding—a situation that could lead to significant delays and inconvenience.

If you've been affected by flight overbooking in Kirkwall, you may be eligible for compensation under European air passenger rights laws. Understanding your rights and taking action quickly can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights at Kirkwall?

Overbooking is a common practice across the airline industry, but it becomes particularly problematic in smaller regional airports like Kirkwall. Here’s why it happens:

• Limited Flights: With fewer flights operating daily, even one overbooked flight can cause significant disruption.

• Seasonal Demand: Tourism spikes during the summer months, leading to more aggressive overbooking strategies by airlines.

• Island Connectivity: Flights to and from Kirkwall serve as lifelines for both locals and visitors, increasing the likelihood of full bookings.

• Business Strategy: Airlines rely on statistics predicting that a certain percentage of passengers won’t show up. However, this isn’t always accurate, leading to denied boardings.

If you've been denied boarding, don’t just accept it—know your rights and take action.

What Are Your Rights If You’re Denied Boarding in Kirkwall?

Passengers departing from Kirkwall Airport fall under the protection of EC 261/2004, which grants rights in cases of denied boarding due to overbooking. Here’s what you are entitled to:

• Compensation of up to €600, depending on the flight distance.

• Alternative flight arrangements at no extra cost.

• Right to food and accommodation if the delay extends overnight.

• Full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

If the airline offers a voucher or free flight in exchange for volunteering to take a later flight, remember that you do not have to accept it. If you are involuntarily bumped, you can claim compensation instead.

How to Claim Compensation for an Overbooked Flight in Kirkwall

If your flight from Kirkwall was overbooked and you were denied boarding, follow these steps to claim compensation:

1. Request a Written Explanation from the Airline

Ask the airline staff for written confirmation stating that your boarding was denied due to overbooking. This will serve as proof when making your claim.

2. Keep All Documents

Save your boarding pass, flight ticket, and any emails from the airline regarding your flight. Also, hold onto any meal or hotel receipts if you had to stay overnight.

3. Do Not Accept Vouchers Too Quickly

Airlines may offer travel vouchers to avoid paying cash compensation. Before accepting anything, check whether you are eligible for a higher cash payout.

4. Submit a Compensation Claim

You can file a claim directly with the airline, but the process can be slow and frustrating. Alternatively, let Trouble Flight handle your claim—our experts will ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.

Alternative Travel Options If Your Flight Is Overbooked

Being stranded in Kirkwall due to overbooking can be frustrating, but there are alternatives. Consider these options:

• Fly from Another Airport: If your flight is overbooked, check for available departures from Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC), which is reachable via ferry and bus. Flights from Wick often connect to Aberdeen, providing another route to your destination.

• Take the Ferry to Mainland Scotland: NorthLink Ferries operate services from Stromness (a short drive from Kirkwall) to Scrabster. From there, you can travel by train or bus to Inverness or Aberdeen for alternative flights.

• Check Nearby Airports for Different Airlines: If your airline has overbooked, another carrier may have available seats from Kirkwall or neighboring airports.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Under EC 261/2004, passengers denied boarding due to overbooking can receive the following compensation:

• Flights under 1,500 km (e.g., Kirkwall to Edinburgh) – up to €250

• Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km – up to €400

• Flights over 3,500 km – up to €600

This compensation is separate from any refunds or alternative flights the airline provides. If you’ve been forced to spend extra money due to an overbooked flight (hotel, food, transport), the airline must reimburse those costs too.

Overbooked Flight in Kirkwall? Take Action Now!

Flight overbooking can ruin your travel plans, but you don’t have to let the airline get away with it. If you’ve been denied boarding at Kirkwall Airport due to overbooking, you could be owed up to €600. Don’t wait—file your claim today and get the compensation you deserve!

Contact Us for Help

Trouble Flight makes it easy to claim compensation. We handle everything for you, ensuring you receive the maximum payout. Check your eligibility now—it only takes a few minutes!