Airlines Overbooking - What to Do If You Get Bumped

Today, it is common for an airline to overbook their flights. They do this in case some of the passengers do not show up for their flight and they will be able to keep the plane full. The problem with overbooking is if all of the passengers show up, then some of the passengers will be bumped. If you are on a business trip or a trip that requires that you get to the destination on time, getting bumped can be a frustrating experience.

Airline Bumping Mandates

If a passenger is denied a flight seat due to overbooking, but the airline arranges another seat on a flight within a specified period such as an hour, the airline is not required to provide compensation for the bump. If a passenger is bumped and then given another flight seat a long specified period after the bumping such as two hours, the passenger will be eligible for compensation. Passengers with tickets on flights that are canceled because of bad weather are not eligible for bumping compensation. It is important to check with the airline to find out their specific guidelines for compensation. As well, it is important read the airline's policies for honoring reservations on flights that have been overbooked.

What to do if you get bumped from a flight

1. Don't Panic or Get Angry: If you get bumped from a flight, you may feel frustrated, but do not lose your temper. You will most likely get a seat on the next flight. Do not leave the check-in area and do not attempt to arrange another flight. The airline staff is there to arrange the next available flight.

2. Compensation Issues: It is important to remember that if you accept compensation either as a voucher or as cash, the airline will consider the acceptance as settlement and you will not be able to take any further action against the airline. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can launch a complaint with the Transportation Agency. It is important to understand the types of compensation because there may possibly be restrictions.

How To Avoid Getting Bumped

1. To avoid getting bumped from a scheduled flight, arrive at the airport early enough to check-in, get through security, and arrive at the gate. If you are late, there is a higher chance of getting bumped. It is particularly important to arrive early if you are taking a flight on a popular flight route. One effective way of checking in early is to check-in online before you leave for the airport. Passengers who arrive and are checked-in before most of the other passengers will have the best chance of preventing bumping.

2. If you travel during the peak season or on peak days, make sure that you get a seat number as early as possible, even if it is not a seat that you prefer. If you do not have a confirmed seat, you increase your chances of getting bumped.

Many travelers have had to deal with being bumped from a flight. Knowing and implementing steps to reduce the chance of getting bumped from a flight is essential to successfully boarding a scheduled flight.

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