QUALIFY IT
Does my easyJet denied boarding qualify?
Two tests. First, was it against your will? If you took a voucher and a later flight when the gate asked for volunteers, that was voluntary, and you’ve given up Article 7 compensation. If you want the cash, say no at the gate.
Second, were you on time? easyJet closes bag drop 40 minutes before departure and the gate 30 minutes before. If you made both and were still refused, that’s a denied-boarding claim. If you missed either, you’re a no-show, and that’s a different matter.
THE MONEY
How much am I owed?
£220
Under 1,500 km
£350
1,500–3,500 km
£520
Over 3,500 km
Per person — payable immediately under Article 4(3).
Under 1,500 km: £220 / €250. From 1,500 to 3,500 km: £350 / €400. Over 3,500 km: £520 / €600. Per person, owed on the day. If your new flight lands within two hours (under 1,500 km), three hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or four hours (over 3,500 km) of the original, easyJet may halve it. That rarely matters, because the next easyJet seat is usually the next day.
THE PUSHBACK
What will easyJet say to refuse?
There’s no defence to an involuntary bump, so easyJet argues the facts instead: it will say you were late to the gate. The gate-close time on your boarding pass and any time-stamped evidence you have settle it.
easyJet oversells less than the older full-service airlines, so most of its denied boardings are aircraft swaps. An A321 replaced by an A320 means about 50 seats gone. That’s a bump, and it pays.
THE EDGE
What’s specific to easyJet
Report it the day it happens. Flight data can’t see what happened at the gate, so your claim depends on it being recorded.
easyJet’s compensation form has no obvious denied-boarding option. Pick the closest disruption type and write “involuntary denied boarding, Article 4” in the description.
The 40-minute bag-drop and 30-minute gate rules are easyJet’s own. Quote them back if easyJet’s reply says you were late.
The same rules on any airline: bumped from a flight — your rights.
HOW TO CLAIM
How do I claim?
Write down what happened the same day: the time, the gate and what you were told.
Get the reason in writing at the gate if you can. A staff name and the time are enough.
Claim through the form, citing Article 4. Attach your boarding pass showing the gate-close time.
Turn down the voucher. Cash is what you’re entitled to.
WHAT EASYJET OWES YOU
Check what easyJet owes you — free, two minutes. $39 only if the airline pays.
Check my flight →YOU ASK
Common questions
I volunteered for a £100 voucher. Is there anything left to claim?
The voucher settles compensation. You still get a refund or a new flight, plus whatever easyJet agreed to give you.
easyJet swapped to a smaller aircraft. Does that count?
Yes. A seat that existed when you booked and was taken away is a denied boarding.
Does easyJet have to get me home the same day?
It owes you a new flight at the earliest opportunity, on any airline if needed, plus a hotel if that’s tomorrow.
Can easyJet blame extraordinary circumstances?
No. Article 4 has no such defence. That’s what makes this the strongest claim there is.
How fast does easyJet pay for a bump?
Faster than delays, because the facts are simple. Two to four weeks is typical when the gate evidence is attached.
The law this guide is written against: EC261 full text (EUR-Lex) · UK261 full text (legislation.gov.uk)
General information, not legal advice. Compensation depends on the facts of each disruption and the airline’s evidence. MyAirAdvocate files claims for a flat $39, charged only if the airline pays, and never takes a percentage of what you are owed.