Flight Overbooking in Poland – Know Your Rights & Claim Compensation

Understanding Flight Overbooking in Poland

Airlines overbook flights to maximize profits, assuming some passengers won’t show up. However, when everyone arrives, someone gets bumped. If this happened to you in Poland, you have rights under EU Regulation 261/2004, which ensures compensation for involuntary denied boarding.

Poland, a key hub for European air travel, has major airports like Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), and Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN). If your flight was overbooked at any of these airports, you may be entitled to compensation.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked in Poland

1. Stay at the Gate & Do Not Accept Vouchers

If an airline offers you a travel voucher instead of cash, refuse it unless you’re sure you won’t pursue compensation. Vouchers often have restrictions, whereas financial compensation is your right.

2. Request an Official Denied Boarding Confirmation

Always ask for written proof of your denied boarding. This document helps you claim compensation later.

3. Check Alternative Flights

If you’re stranded, look at flights from other nearby airports like Modlin Airport (WMI) for Warsaw, Katowice Airport (KTW) for Kraków, or Poznań–Ławica Airport (POZ) for western Poland. Trains and buses connect these airports efficiently.

4. Demand Immediate Assistance

Airlines must provide you with food, drinks, accommodation (if needed), and transportation to and from your hotel. Keep receipts for expenses.

5. Claim Compensation

You are legally entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on your flight distance:

• €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

Why Flight Overbooking Happens in Poland

High Tourist Demand

Poland is a major European tourist destination. Cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk attract millions of visitors. Airlines overbook flights during peak seasons, assuming some travelers will miss their flights.

Business Travelers & Connecting Flights

With Poland’s growing economy, business travel has surged. Overbookings often affect corporate passengers and those on connecting flights, as airlines prioritize direct passengers.

Budget Airlines & Cost Cutting

Carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and LOT Polish Airlines sometimes overbook to maximize revenue. Passengers on cheaper tickets might be the first to be denied boarding.

Can You Avoid Flight Overbooking in Poland?

Check-In Early

Early check-in reduces your chances of being bumped. Many airlines prioritize passengers who check in first.

Join a Frequent Flyer Program

Loyalty program members often get priority over non-members.

Book Direct Flights

Overbooking is more common on connecting flights. Booking a direct flight from Poland lowers your risk.

Avoid the Cheapest Tickets

Low-fare tickets often have the lowest boarding priority.

What If You’re Stranded at the Airport Due to Overbooking?

Consider Alternative Airports

• Warsaw Modlin (WMI) instead of Chopin (WAW) – A Ryanair hub, it offers alternative flights.

• Katowice (KTW) instead of Kraków (KRK) – Well-connected with budget airlines.

• Berlin Brandenburg (BER) for western Poland – Just a few hours by train from Poznań and Wrocław.

Use Poland’s Efficient Transport System

If you need to switch airports, Poland’s rail network connects major cities. High-speed trains (Pendolino) and FlixBus services make last-minute travel easier.

How to File an Overbooking Compensation Claim

1. Gather Documents – Boarding pass, booking confirmation, denial statement.

2. Submit a Claim – You can claim compensation directly through the airline or use a service like Trouble Flight.

3. Follow Up – Airlines may delay payouts, so persistence is key.

Polish Airports with the Highest Overbooking Rates

1. Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – Poland’s busiest airport with frequent overbooking.

2. Kraków John Paul II Airport (KRK) – High tourist demand increases chances of getting bumped.

3. Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) – Popular for international travel, especially to Scandinavia.

Final Thoughts

Flight overbooking in Poland can be frustrating, but you are entitled to compensation. If you've been denied boarding, act fast—you could receive up to €600. Don’t let airlines take advantage—claim what’s yours today!