Airline Overbooking Compensation in Colombia: Rules and Direct Claim Paths Under RAC 3

Colombian regulations under RAC 3 of the Aerocivil framework govern compensation for passengers denied boarding due to overbooking on flights under Colombian jurisdiction. Airlines such as Iberia Colombia implement these rules through policies requiring payment of at least 30% of the leg value in specified denied boarding cases, or 20% per day for certain delays. Direct claims start with the airline, followed by escalation to the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) if needed, within a two-month window for the initial airline complaint. Third-party services do not serve as the primary route; official paths through the airline and regulators take precedence.

What Controls Overbooking Compensation in Colombia

RAC 3 from the Regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Colombia (Aerocivil) sets the requirements for denied boarding and overbooking compensation. Airline policies align with this regulation. For example, Iberia Colombia's passenger rights page references RAC 3 and states that airlines must compensate passengers with an additional sum equivalent to at least 30% of the leg value for covered denied boarding cases, or 20% of the leg value per day in specified delay scenarios. These percentages supplement the air carriage contract and Colombian Code of Commerce obligations but remain tied to RAC 3.

What Does Not Apply to Colombian Overbooking Claims

Colombian overbooking claims under RAC 3 differ from rules in other jurisdictions. EU Regulation 261/2004, with its fixed euro compensation schedules, does not apply. US Department of Transportation rules on voluntary bumping incentives also fall outside Colombian scope. The Montreal Convention addresses baggage liability, not overbooking compensation. Credit card chargebacks or travel insurance represent separate workflows unrelated to RAC 3 rights. Third-party claim services do not override the direct airline and regulator paths mandated by Colombian regulations.

Steps to Claim Overbooking Compensation

File a complaint directly with the airline first, within two months of the incident, as required under Colombian air transport regulations. Provide details of the denied boarding and supporting evidence such as booking confirmation and boarding pass attempts. If the airline's response is unsatisfactory, escalate to the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) for consumer protection oversight. Aerocivil provides regulatory supervision, with potential further escalation to the Superintendencia de Transporte.

Key Limits and Exceptions Under RAC 3

RAC 3 applies to denied boarding cases explicitly covered under its terms, such as overbooking on Colombian-jurisdiction flights. Compensation minimums, like the 30% of leg value noted in aligned airline policies, represent thresholds rather than guaranteed fixed amounts. Airline policies supplement RAC 3 but cannot override it. Coverage excludes scenarios outside RAC 3 scope, such as voluntary rebooking or extraordinary circumstances defined in the regulation.

FAQ

Does Colombia offer fixed compensation like €600 for overbooking?

No, Colombian RAC 3 emphasizes percentage-based payments tied to leg value, not fixed euro amounts from EU rules.

What is the minimum compensation under RAC 3 for denied boarding?

Airline policies under RAC 3, such as Iberia Colombia's, reference at least 30% of the leg value for specified cases.

How soon must I file a claim with the airline after overbooking?

Complaints to the airline must be filed within two months of the incident.

Can I use a third-party service instead of contacting the airline directly?

Direct claims to the airline represent the primary required path under Colombian regulations; third-party services do not replace this step.

What if the airline denies my overbooking claim?

Escalate to the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) after the airline response.

Do credit card chargebacks work for Colombian overbooking compensation?

No, chargebacks follow a separate payment rail unrelated to RAC 3 passenger rights.

For overbooking incidents, contact the airline immediately to initiate your claim under RAC 3, gathering evidence like tickets and communications. Check Aerocivil resources for the latest regulatory details.