Flight Overbooking in Norway – What to Do & How to Get Compensation

Understanding Flight Overbooking in Norway

Flying to or from Norway should be a smooth experience, but flight overbooking can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Airlines frequently sell more tickets than available seats, betting on no-shows. When all passengers check in, some are left stranded at the gate, facing denied boarding. If this happens to you, don’t panic—you have rights, and you could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation.

Norway, with its well-connected airports in Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO), and Tromsø (TOS), sees frequent overbooking issues, especially during peak travel seasons. If you're affected, knowing the right steps to take is crucial.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Airlines maximize profits by overselling flights, assuming some passengers won’t show up. While this strategy works most of the time, it often backfires, leaving passengers involuntarily bumped from their flights. In such cases, airlines must offer compensation, but they don’t always make it easy to claim.

What to Do If You’re Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking

1. Stay Calm and Request Written Confirmation

If you are denied boarding, the airline must provide you with a document explaining the reason. Make sure you get this in writing—it will strengthen your compensation claim.

2. Accept or Decline Rebooking Options

Airlines often offer alternative flights. If you accept, ensure it suits your schedule. If not, you have the right to a full refund or a flight on another airline.

3. Ask for Compensation Immediately

Under EC261, passengers involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking can claim compensation:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km

• €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and all flights between 1,500-3,500 km

• €600 for non-EU flights over 3,500 km

4. Get Meals and Accommodation if Necessary

If your new flight is hours away or postponed to the next day, the airline must provide food, drinks, and hotel accommodation if needed.

5. Keep All Receipts for Additional Expenses

If the airline doesn’t provide necessary accommodations, keep receipts and claim reimbursement later.

Alternative Travel Options If You’re Overbooked in Norway

If you’re denied boarding in Oslo, consider checking flights from Sandefjord Torp (TRF), which is about 120 km away and accessible by train or shuttle bus. Similarly, if you’re stuck in Bergen, Flesland Airport (BGO) is the primary option, but Stavanger’s Sola Airport (SVG) could have alternative routes.

For domestic flights, Norway's efficient railway network might be a backup plan, particularly between major cities like Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen.

How to Claim Compensation for Overbooking in Norway

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Your flight must meet these conditions:

• Departing from an EU country (including Norway, which follows EC261 regulations) OR arriving in Norway on an EU airline.

• You checked in on time.

• The airline had no extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes).

Step 2: File a Claim

Airlines don’t always make claiming compensation easy. You can submit a request through their website, but responses are often delayed or ignored. Trouble Flight can handle your claim for you, ensuring maximum compensation with minimal effort.

Step 3: Wait for Payment

Once your claim is accepted, airlines typically process payments within a few weeks. If they refuse, legal action may be necessary, and we can assist in escalating the case.

Common Airline Tactics to Avoid Paying Compensation

• Offering Vouchers Instead of Cash: Airlines may try to compensate you with travel vouchers. You are entitled to cash and don’t have to accept vouchers.

• Claiming ‘Extraordinary Circumstances’: Overbooking is never an extraordinary circumstance; it’s an airline strategy. They must compensate you.

• Delaying Responses: Airlines may take weeks to respond, hoping you'll give up. With Trouble Flight, we push them for quick resolutions.

Why Choose Trouble Flight?

• No Win, No Fee: You pay nothing unless we secure your compensation.

• Fast Processing: We handle all legal aspects while you relax.

• Trusted Experts: Thousands of successful claims handled.

Conclusion – Get Your Compensation Now!

Overbooked flights in Norway are frustrating, but you’re not powerless. If you’ve been denied boarding, you could be entitled to up to €600. Don’t let airlines take advantage of you—start your claim today with Trouble Flight and get the compensation you deserve!