Flight Overbooking Singapore Airlines – What to Do When You're Denied Boarding

Let’s be honest—Singapore Airlines is often considered one of the world’s best. Known for impeccable service, sleek aircraft, and delicious in-flight meals, most passengers look forward to flying with them. But even top-tier airlines sometimes fall short, and overbooking is a classic case of turning a dream flight into a nightmare.

If you've been denied boarding on a Singapore Airlines flight because they sold more tickets than seats, you’re probably wondering what your options are. Can you get another flight? Are you entitled to compensation? Can you actually claim up to €600 just for being bumped?

Yes, you can—and Trouble Flight is here to make that happen.

Why Do Airlines Overbook in the First Place?

Overbooking is more common than many think. Airlines calculate how many passengers usually miss their flight and sell extra tickets based on those stats. The problem is: sometimes everyone shows up.

When that happens, a few unlucky passengers are told they can’t board—even if they have a confirmed seat. It’s called denied boarding due to overbooking, and it’s frustrating, unfair, and disruptive.

But it also opens the door to compensation under EC261/2004, depending on your flight route.

What Are My Rights if I’m Bumped Off a Singapore Airlines Flight?

Even though Singapore Airlines is based in Asia, European Regulation EC261/2004 still applies if:

• Your flight departed from an EU country (e.g., Paris, Frankfurt, Rome)

• You were denied boarding against your will (i.e., you didn’t volunteer to give up your seat)

If this is your situation, you’re entitled to:

• Immediate care: food, drinks, access to communication, and accommodation if necessary

• A replacement flight or a full refund

• Compensation up to €600 per passenger

That compensation is legally guaranteed unless the airline can prove that the overbooking happened under truly exceptional conditions—which is extremely rare for denied boarding.

How Much Can You Claim?

The amount depends on the distance of your flight:

• €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

Most Singapore Airlines flights to/from Europe are long-haul—think Singapore to Zurich or Frankfurt to Sydney—so chances are, you’re eligible for the full €600.

What to Do Right After Being Denied Boarding

When you’re told there’s no seat for you, it’s easy to panic. But here’s how to keep your cool and increase your chances of success:

• Ask for the reason in writing. Make sure it clearly says you were denied boarding due to overbooking.

• Refuse vouchers if you want compensation. Accepting them may waive your rights.

• Document everything. Take photos of boarding passes, gate screens, and any communication.

• Ask for an alternative flight. If possible, get rebooked immediately—even if it’s with another airline.

And yes, airlines can be forced to rebook you with another carrier if their next available flight is unreasonable.

Rebooking Options After Singapore Airlines Overbooking

Let’s say you were trying to fly from Milan to Singapore and got bumped. If the next Singapore Airlines flight isn’t until the next day, you don’t have to wait.

You can ask to be rerouted on:

• Qatar Airways via Doha

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul

• Emirates via Dubai

Many of these airlines have daily flights connecting to Singapore. And sometimes, flying from a nearby airport like Venice, Zurich, or Munich could be faster than waiting in Milan.

Pro tip: Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find faster alternatives while negotiating with the airline. Then suggest that option directly.

Volunteering vs. Involuntary Denied Boarding

Let’s make this clear: if you agreed to be bumped in exchange for a voucher or travel credit, that’s voluntary denial, and you likely can’t claim EU compensation.

However, if you were denied against your will, then EC261/2004 protects you.

The airline might offer you travel credits, lounge access, or miles—but unless you sign away your rights, you can still claim compensation after the fact.

So, if you felt pressured to accept something on the spot, don’t worry. Trouble Flight can still help, especially if you have proof you didn’t volunteer.

What If You're Flying on a Codeshare Flight?

Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance network, so your ticket may say Lufthansa or SWISS, but the flight is operated by Singapore Airlines—or the other way around.

What matters is the operating airline. That’s who holds the responsibility.

So if the boarding denial was on a Singapore Airlines-operated flight leaving from the EU, they’re the ones liable—even if the ticket was booked through Lufthansa.

How Trouble Flight Can Help You Get What You Deserve

Let’s be real. Airlines don’t make it easy. Filing a claim involves forms, emails, long waiting periods, and legal language. It’s confusing, time-consuming, and often discouraging.

That’s where Trouble Flight changes the game.

• You enter your flight details in our Compensation Calculator (free and fast!)

• We tell you if you’re eligible—and how much you could claim

• If you proceed, we handle the entire process: documents, airline negotiations, legal action if necessary

And the best part?

• We work on a no-win, no-fee basis

• If successful, we take 25% + VAT

• If legal action is required, it’s 50% including VAT—but only if we win

No stress. No upfront fees. Just your rights, defended by people who know the system inside out.

Common Excuses Airlines Use (And Why They Don’t Work)

Singapore Airlines might tell you:

• "The flight was overbooked due to operational reasons."

• "It was a technical glitch."

• "We offered compensation at the gate."

But unless you voluntarily accepted a voucher or there was a true emergency (which doesn’t apply to standard overbooking), they still owe you.

Trouble Flight knows how to cut through the excuses. We’ve helped thousands of passengers win claims—even when the airline initially said no.

What If You’re Traveling with Kids?

Yes, kids also count. If your 4-year-old had a seat and was denied boarding, that’s another full compensation.

Even infants with their own seats are covered under EC261. If they were part of your booking, they count.

Keep all your documents handy, including boarding passes for every member of your party.

Preventing Overbooking Issues in the Future

While you can’t always avoid it, here are some tips to reduce the chances:

• Check-in early—especially online

• Get to the gate early

• Avoid peak travel seasons when possible

But remember: if it still happens, you have rights.

Can You Claim If You're Rebooked the Same Day?

Yes, you can.

Even if the airline gets you on another flight just a few hours later, EC261 doesn’t care. If you were involuntarily bumped, the regulation still applies.

Your delay at arrival time might impact the amount you get, but you’re still due something.

Other Useful Info While You Wait for a New Flight

• Ask for meal vouchers and a lounge pass if the wait is long

• Ask the airline to cover a hotel stay if you’re stranded overnight

• Keep all receipts if you pay out of pocket—they may be reimbursed

Also, remember you can combine EC261 claims with travel insurance, if applicable. But insurance is separate from your legal right to compensation.

This Isn’t Just About Money—It’s About Fairness

Denied boarding can ruin plans, cause missed meetings, vacations, or emotional stress. Compensation helps recognize that.

You paid for a service. You were ready to fly. But the airline let you down. Now it’s time to make it right.

Check your flight with our tool. It takes 2 minutes and could mean €600 back in your pocket.

We fight the airline so you don’t have to.

Let Trouble Flight turn your travel mess into something that feels a little more fair.