Nuremberg, a vibrant city in Bavaria, is well-known for its medieval charm, rich history, and growing international connectivity. However, as a major transit point, it is not immune to the common issue of flight overbooking. If you’ve been denied boarding at Nuremberg Airport (NUE) due to overbooking, you might be eligible for financial compensation. Understanding your rights and knowing the next steps can help you turn this frustrating situation into a reimbursement opportunity.
Airlines frequently sell more tickets than available seats on a plane to maximize revenue, anticipating that some passengers won’t show up. While this strategy helps airlines, it often leads to passengers being involuntarily denied boarding when all ticketed passengers actually arrive. If this happens to you at Nuremberg Airport, European regulations are on your side.
According to EC Regulation 261/2004, passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking are entitled to compensation, unless they voluntarily give up their seat. The compensation amount depends on the flight distance:
€250 for flights up to 1,500 km
€400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
€600 for flights over 3,500 km (when departing from an EU airport or arriving in the EU with an EU carrier)
In addition to monetary compensation, airlines must provide:
Alternative transportation to your final destination.
Free meals and refreshments.
Hotel accommodation if the next available flight departs the following day.
Access to phone calls or emails to arrange further plans.
If you find yourself stranded at Nuremberg Airport, follow these steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation:
Do Not Voluntarily Give Up Your Seat – If you accept vouchers or incentives, you might waive your right to cash compensation.
Request a Written Explanation – Ask the airline for a written confirmation stating that you were denied boarding due to overbooking.
Collect Evidence – Take pictures of your boarding pass, flight schedule, and any communications from the airline.
Check Alternative Flights – If your flight is overbooked, consider checking departures from nearby airports, such as Munich Airport (MUC), just under two hours away by train. This can be a quicker way to reach your destination.
File a Compensation Claim – Submit your claim directly to the airline, or use a service like Trouble Flight to handle the process efficiently.
Being stranded in Nuremberg doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If your flight is overbooked and you’re in urgent need of reaching your destination, consider these alternatives:
Train to Munich Airport (MUC): Trains from Nuremberg to Munich Airport run frequently, and the journey takes about 1h 45m. Munich offers a larger selection of flights, possibly with availability on another airline.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA): A three-hour train ride from Nuremberg, Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s largest international hub and may offer better rerouting options.
Bus Services: Direct buses to Munich and Frankfurt airports provide another budget-friendly option to continue your journey.
Claiming compensation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the airline’s response. However, by using a professional claims service, you can avoid the hassle of airline bureaucracy and speed up the process. Trouble Flight specializes in handling flight disruption claims and ensures you get the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
Being denied boarding due to overbooking is frustrating, but you are not powerless. If you were overbooked in Nuremberg, you could be owed up to €600 in compensation. Don’t let airlines keep what’s rightfully yours. File your claim today and get your money back hassle-free!