DENIED BOARDING Archives

Sherry Fadely was denied boarding on her Aer Lingus flight in Madrid, despite having a ticket booked through Alaska Airlines. She spent $3,244 on a new ticket. After months of seeking a refund, Alaska Airlines agreed to refund her miles and pay $3,244 in compensation following advocacy, highlighting the complexities of code-sharing and the importance of knowing passenger rights under EU regulations like EC 261.

Denied boarding compensation: Why Alaska Airlines owes a $3,244 refund under EU261

May 23, 2025May 21, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Sherry Fadely is turned away at the gate when she tries to board her flight in Madrid. Can she get compensation for being denied boarding? And who should pay her?

Robert Zuercher and his fiancee were flying from Cancun, Mexico, to Cleveland for a somber occasion. His grandmother had died, and they were attending her funeral. But they say Frontier Airlines added to their grief when they were kicked off their flight without explanation -- or compensation.

Kicked off my flight for being disruptive — does Frontier Airlines owe me anything?

November 24, 2024October 6, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Robert Zuercher and his fiancee were flying from Cancun, Mexico, to Cleveland for a somber occasion. His grandmother had died, and they were attending her funeral. But they say Frontier Airlines added to their grief when they were kicked off their flight without explanation — or compensation.

What does your airline owe you if you if it denies you boarding? Here's what you need to know about denied boarding compensation.

The ultimate guide to airline denied boarding compensation in 2025

July 11, 2025July 6, 2022 by Christopher Elliott

What does your airline owe you if it bumps you from a flight? Here’s what you need to know about denied boarding compensation.

After Samantha Gomez is bumped from a flight from Philadelphia to Palm Beach, Florida, she asks her airline for compensation. Why won’t it pay?

Bumped from my flight to Palm Beach — why won’t American pay up?

February 1, 2024July 28, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

After Samantha Gomez is denied boarding on a flight from Philadelphia to Palm Beach, Florida, she asks her airline for compensation. Why won’t it pay?

It's not every day that you hear from a real American hero like Chuck. It turns out he and his wife catch my syndicated column.

Alaska Airlines bumped a real American hero – should I get involved?

January 26, 2024March 18, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

It’s not every day that you hear from a real American hero like Chuck Yeager. Yes, the Chuck Yeager. It turns out he and his wife, Victoria, catch my syndicated column in The Sacramento Bee.