Originally Posted by
cfischer
I overheard a conversation last year where the GA clearly 'offered' less than EU rules would demand. My guess is the pax had no idea anyway and was quite happy with the $s he got.
I guess they can try and if the pax 'accepts' it's a done deal; however, I am sure that you'll get the full amount if you insist.
Before IDBing any passenger, airlines are obliged to seek volunteers prepared to surrender their seats
in exchange for benefits under conditions to be agreed between the passenger concerned and the operating air carrier. (article 4 of EU261/2004). This appears to be what you have witnessed. At this stage, anyone approached has the option to reject the ''offer". However once one has volunteered, there is no entitlement to any further compensation.
It is not therefore that AF are trying to offer less than they should, since there is no set amount for voluntarily giving away your seat.
In my experience, they pay what they should to anyone denied boarding against their will.
On a side note, non-compliance with IDB regulations by EU airlines is the issue the various national enforcement bodies receive the least complains for.