Buzz
Airlines are increasingly overbooking flights, pushing the misery of air travel to new levels. Passengers are often bumped to later flights, not only to experience the joy of being squeezed between strangers, one of whom might fall asleep on you while the other watches a loud movie with no earphones, but also to miss the very event they were originally flying to attend.
If you don't volunteer to be bumped, there's no way to predict when it will happen to you. However, as CNBC reports, regular passengers are more likely to be bumped than those in business class. Airlines often make these decisions based on the fare paid and the passenger's frequent flyer status. It's a predictable, yet unpleasant reality.
However, when you’re bumped, you’re entitled to compensation. While vouchers for another flight may be offered, you can always request a check instead.
The compensation you’ll receive depends on the airline and how much others are willing to accept. United introduced a new system in November, allowing passengers to ‘bid’ on how much compensation they’re willing to accept when booking an oversold flight, with up to $10,000 in travel credits on the table. Delta also offers a similar system, providing up to $9,950.
While many airlines typically offer travel vouchers, it’s often better to opt for cash. The main benefit is clear—you can spend cash on anything, unlike a Delta voucher that can’t be used for a nice dinner out, for example. Also, vouchers often come with expiration dates and other restrictions, such as blackout periods during holidays, which limit their practicality.
There’s a key distinction between voluntary and involuntary bumping. According to the Department of Transportation, if you willingly give up your seat at the gate, airlines aren’t obligated to offer you specific compensation, though they must provide something.
However, if you're involuntarily bumped—meaning you didn’t volunteer but are still denied boarding—DOT requires airlines to compensate you according to the following guidelines:
If a new flight is scheduled within one hour of your original flight’s arrival, no compensation is necessary.
If the new arrival is one to two hours later (or one to four hours on international flights), you’re entitled to 200% of the one-way fare, up to $675.
If the new arrival is more than two hours later (or more than four hours on international flights), you’re entitled to 400% of the one-way fare, up to $1,350.
You must also be refunded for any extra services like checked bags or seat selections.
It’s completely reasonable to negotiate. Ask for more money, or request the airline cover hotel or meal expenses if you're rebooked for a flight the following day. You’ve earned it.
