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Airline Overbooking: Know Your Bumping Rights
1 Nov
Summary
- Airlines must ask for volunteers before involuntarily denying boarding.
- Voluntary compensation is negotiable; cash is an option.
- Involuntary bumping compensation depends on fare and delay.
Overselling airline seats is a standard practice that is legal under US regulations, provided airlines adhere to specific passenger protections. When a flight is oversold, carriers are mandated to seek volunteers willing to give up their seats before initiating involuntary denied boarding.
Airlines must proactively offer compensation to these volunteers. Passengers should be informed about the potential compensation they would receive if involuntarily bumped. The amount of compensation for voluntary relinquishment is a negotiation, and passengers can opt for cash instead of vouchers.
Involuntary denied boarding is a last resort, with airlines typically prioritizing passengers based on check-in time, fare paid, and frequent flyer status. Federal regulations outline compensation tiers for involuntary bumping, based on the delay in reaching the destination. These payments can range from 200% of the fare up to $1,075, or 400% of the fare up to $2,150, depending on the length of the delay.
