Flight Overbooking in Porto – What to Do If You’re Denied Boarding

Overbooked Flights in Porto: Know Your Rights and Get Compensation

Flying from Porto and faced with an overbooked flight? It’s a frustrating situation, but you have rights under European Regulation EC 261/2004. If you were denied boarding against your will, you could be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger—and we’ll show you exactly how to claim it.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights in Porto?

Airlines frequently oversell tickets to maximize profit, banking on the assumption that some passengers won’t show up. However, when everyone does, someone gets bumped—often without warning. This happens at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), Porto’s main international hub, especially on busy routes to Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, and London.

Overbooking is legal, but airlines must compensate affected passengers. If this happened to you, don’t accept vouchers too quickly—cash compensation is usually a better deal!

What to Do If Your Flight from Porto Is Overbooked

1. Don’t Volunteer Right Away

If the airline asks for volunteers, they’ll offer alternative flights or travel credits. While this might seem like a good option, volunteering means giving up your right to compensation under EC 261. Unless the offer is generous, consider standing firm.

2. Request a Written Explanation

Always ask for a written confirmation stating that you were denied boarding due to overbooking. This document will be crucial when you claim your compensation.

3. Check Alternative Routes

Stuck at Porto Airport (OPO)? Check flights from Vigo Airport (VGO) in Spain, just 120 km from Porto, which might have last-minute availability. Buses and trains run frequently between the two cities. If your airline refuses to rebook you quickly, consider this alternative and claim the additional travel expenses later.

4. Demand Immediate Assistance

If you’re stuck for hours at Porto Airport, the airline must provide:

• Free meals and drinks

• Accommodation (if overnight stay is required)

• Transport between the airport and hotel

5. Claim Your Compensation

If you were involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking and had a confirmed reservation, you can claim:

• €250 for flights under 1,500 km

• €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km

• €600 for flights over 3,500 km

Many airlines try to avoid paying, but you don’t have to fight them alone—we handle the claim process for you!

Porto’s Busy Flight Routes – Higher Risk of Overbooking

Some destinations from Porto experience frequent overbooking due to high demand:

Short-Haul Flights (High-Risk Routes)

• Porto → Madrid (MAD)

• Porto → Barcelona (BCN)

• Porto → Paris (CDG, ORY)

• Porto → London (LHR, LGW, STN)

Long-Haul Flights (More Expensive Compensation!)

• Porto → New York (JFK, EWR)

• Porto → São Paulo (GRU)

• Porto → Toronto (YYZ)

If you’re booked on any of these routes, check in as early as possible to reduce the risk of getting bumped.

Alternative Airports Near Porto

If your flight is overbooked and the airline is offering a much later rebooking, consider nearby airports:

1. Vigo Airport (VGO), Spain

• Distance from Porto: 120 km

• How to get there: Direct ALSA bus from Porto city center (2h 30m)

• Airlines operating: Ryanair, Iberia, Air Europa

2. Lisbon Airport (LIS)

• Distance from Porto: 300 km

• How to get there: Fast Alfa Pendular train (2h 40m) from Porto Campanhã Station

• Airlines operating: TAP Air Portugal, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France

If an alternative flight is available from these airports, the airline must cover your transport expenses to get there. Don’t accept excuses—know your rights!

How to Reach Porto Airport If You’re Rebooked

If you’re rebooked on a later flight, here’s how to reach Porto Airport stress-free:

• By Metro: The E Line (Purple Line) connects the city center to the airport in just 25 minutes.

• By Bus: The 601, 602, and 604 STCP buses run frequently from various parts of Porto.

• By Taxi or Uber: A ride from the city center costs around €20–€25.

If the airline is covering your transfer costs, keep all receipts to claim reimbursement.

Final Steps: Claim Your Compensation Now

You don’t have to deal with airlines alone. If you were denied boarding at Porto Airport due to overbooking, you can claim up to €600 in compensation—and we’ll handle everything for you.

• No upfront fees – we get paid only if you win

• 100% online process – no hassle, no stress

• Fast claim submission – get your money sooner

Start your claim today and get what you’re owed!