Can Your Flight Be Legally Overbooked
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Can Your Flight Be Legally Overbooked?
Summary
Ever wondered if airlines can book 350 tickets on an airplane with only 340 seats? Learn what to do if you're bumped.
Understanding Overbooking
Airlines often overbook flights to manage "no-shows." While this practice is legal, it can lead to some passengers being "bumped." If an over-sale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates airlines to ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation. Those bumped involuntarily are also entitled to compensation, with some exceptions.
Voluntary Bumping
Different passengers have different priorities; some need to reach their destination promptly, while others prioritize ticket costs. Airlines are required to look for volunteers willing to give up their seats for compensation before bumping anyone involuntarily.
At check-in or the boarding area, airline staff will seek volunteers if the flight is overbooked. If your schedule is flexible, you can offer your seat in exchange for compensation and a later flight. Before agreeing, consider these questions:
- Next Available Flight: When is the next confirmed seat available? Being put on standby for a full flight could leave you stuck.
- Additional Amenities: Will the airline cover meals, hotel stays, phone calls, or transportation? You might need to spend your compensation on these necessities.
The DOT doesn't specify compensation amounts, so airlines often negotiate with passengers, offering money, free trips, or other benefits. If offered a free ticket, inquire about restrictions: its validity, blackout dates during holidays, international usage, and how soon before departure you can make a reservation.
Involuntary Bumping
When involuntarily bumped, DOT mandates airlines to provide a written explanation of your rights and the selection process. Compensation depends on your ticket price and delay duration:
- No Compensation if the alternate transportation arrives within one hour of your original time.
- Compensation of Your One-Way Fare if arrival is delayed between one and two hours (or one to four hours internationally), with a $200 cap.
- Double Compensation if the delay exceeds these times or no alternate travel is arranged, capped at $400.
You retain your original ticket for future use or can request an "involuntary refund." The compensation is for your inconvenience.
Conditions and Exceptions
Some rules apply for compensation eligibility:
- Confirmed Reservation: Your ticket needs an "OK" status even if airlines can't locate it in the system, provided you didn't cancel or miss deadlines.
- Ticket Purchase Deadline: Discount tickets may require purchase days after booking. Other tickets usually need to be picked up 30 minutes before departure.
Check-in deadlines also vary. Domestic flights typically require check-in 10 minutes before departure, but it can be longer. International flights may require up to three hours due to security. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your reservation and compensation rights.
Additional exceptions include:
- No compensation if alternative transport arrives within one hour of the original time.
- No requirement for compensation if a smaller plane is substituted.
- Rules don't apply to charter flights or those with fewer than 60 passengers, international flights entering the U.S., or flights between foreign cities. For the European Community, additional rules may apply.
Tips to Avoid Being Bumped
Arriving early reduces bumping risks. On overbooked flights, the last to check in are often the first bumped, even if they meet the deadline. Give yourself extra time, expecting delays and long lines.
If an early flight to your destination is available and you arrive in time, consider switching flights or delaying baggage check-in. Otherwise, your bag might travel alone and be unattended.
Airlines can offer future flight transportation as compensation instead of a check. However, if bumped involuntarily, you can insist on a check. Once accepted, the option to demand more later is usually lost. If bumping costs exceed offered compensation, negotiation with the airline's complaint department is possible. You have 30 days from the check date to accept the compensation. Should you decline, legal action for higher compensation remains an option.
Finally, if you can’t use a confirmed reservation, notify the airline to avoid cancellations of future bookings.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Can Your Flight Be Legally Overbooked .
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