Flight Overbooking in Sumburgh – How to Get Compensation for Denied Boarding

What Happens When Your Flight is Overbooked at Sumburgh Airport?

Sumburgh Airport (LSI), the gateway to Scotland’s Shetland Islands, connects travelers to mainland UK and beyond. Given its limited number of daily flights, overbooking at Sumburgh can leave passengers stranded with few immediate options.

Overbooking occurs when airlines sell more tickets than available seats, betting on no-shows. If everyone checks in, some passengers are denied boarding, often involuntarily. But there’s good news: under EC 261/2004, passengers departing from Sumburgh have strong legal rights.

If you were denied boarding due to overbooking, you could claim up to €600 in compensation—even if the airline rebooked you on another flight.

Your Rights Under EC 261 for Overbooked Flights from Sumburgh

Passengers departing from Sumburgh Airport fall under EU regulation EC 261, which covers flight disruptions. If your flight was overbooked, you’re entitled to:

1. Compensation of Up to €600

Your payout depends on flight distance:

• €250 – Flights up to 1,500 km

• €400 – Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km

• €600 – Flights over 3,500 km

2. A Replacement Flight or Full Refund

Airlines must offer you a new flight to your destination at no extra cost or refund your ticket.

3. Food, Drinks & Hotel Accommodation

If your new flight departs the next day, the airline must cover meals, a hotel stay, and transport to and from the airport.

Stranded in Sumburgh? Alternative Routes You Can Take

Sumburgh Airport has limited flights, mainly serving destinations like Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Kirkwall. If your flight is overbooked and the next available seat is far off, consider these alternatives:

1. Check Departures from Kirkwall Airport (KOI)

Kirkwall, in the Orkney Islands, has flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. You can reach Kirkwall via:

• Ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall (7-hour journey)

• Loganair flight from Sumburgh to Kirkwall

2. Look for Loganair’s Connections to Mainland Scotland

Loganair is the primary airline serving Sumburgh. If your direct flight is overbooked, ask if Loganair can reroute you via another Scottish airport.

3. Travel via Ferry + Train to Mainland UK

If flights are fully booked, take a NorthLink ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen (12-14 hours) and continue by train to your final destination.

How to Claim Compensation for an Overbooked Flight from Sumburgh

Step 1: Keep Your Documents

Hold on to your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any written denial of boarding from the airline.

Step 2: Ask for Immediate Assistance

Demand a rebooking, refund, and any vouchers for meals or accommodation. Airlines sometimes try to avoid paying compensation by offering travel credits—know your rights and insist on cash compensation.

Step 3: File Your Compensation Claim

Claiming compensation can be complex, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Trouble Flight specializes in getting passengers their rightful payout—hassle-free. Submit your claim online, and we’ll handle everything for you.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights at Sumburgh?

Airlines overbook flights to maximize profits since they expect some passengers to cancel or not show up. This practice, though common, leads to disruptions, especially at small airports like Sumburgh, where rebooking options are limited.

Who Has Priority When a Flight is Overbooked?

Airlines typically deny boarding based on:

• Fare class – Passengers with cheaper tickets are often bumped first.

• Check-in time – Late check-ins risk being left behind.

• Frequent flyer status – Loyalty members have a better chance of keeping their seat.

Denied Boarding at Sumburgh? Get Paid Up to €600 Now!

If your flight was overbooked at Sumburgh Airport, you don’t have to settle for an apology. Under EU law, you can claim compensation, even if the airline rebooked you on another flight.

Check your eligibility in minutes—start your claim today and let Trouble Flight fight for your compensation!