Bumped Off an Overbooked Flight? How to Claim Up to ₹20,000 in India

Overbooking is when more tickets are sold than seats available — and if you’re the unlucky one denied boarding, Indian rules are very clear about compensation.

If the airline gets you on another flight that leaves within 1 hour of your original schedule, they don’t owe you compensation (just the alternate seat).

But if the alternate flight is 1–24 hours later, they must pay you 200% of your one-way basic fare plus fuel surcharge, capped at ₹10,000.

If they put you on something more than 24 hours later — or you refuse the alternate and want out — your entitlement goes up to 400% of basic fare plus fuel surcharge, capped at ₹20,000, plus full ticket refund if you don’t travel.

DGCA has already fined airlines like Air India and Akasa for not paying these mandatory amounts when they denied boarding to passengers with valid tickets — the regulator literally had to step in because airlines “forgot” their own obligations.

I break down all denied boarding scenarios and how to practically claim this compensation in my Passenger Rights playlist.

And if you want to avoid the worst seats (especially when being rebooked), watch my detailed guide on picking the best seat for your comfort and journey length: [How to Choose the Best Seat on a Flight]