Airlines regularly overbook flights. What? That isn’t a newsflash?
Since social media now allows everyone with a cell phone to be a reporter, last year we were all privy to the “involuntary” bump of a passenger solely due to overbooking. Remember the guy dragged, literally kicking and screaming, off the United flight last year? Can you say viral?
The result is increased motivation by the airlines to convert involuntary bumping into voluntary. Voluntarily relinquishing a seat for compensation isn’t counted by the DOT in denied boarding statistics. And doesn’t result in a public relations nightmare. Win-win.
When a passenger volunteers to be bumped, the airline gets the seat it needs, the re-accommodated passenger is compensated in a manner they feel is fair. Frequent flyer points, flight vouchers, even cash, are offered to induce volunteerism.
I’ve known passengers who deliberately plan and buy their tickets with the intent to take advantage of this possibility. One couple I know were voluntarily bumped twice on one day!
It’s completely unpredictable how much the airline will offer. $250 - $300 voucher is a common starting point. But, if there aren’t enough takers, the airline will continue to up the ante until someone accepts. This cat and mouse game can be great entertainment. Once, I was on a flight to Cancun that had already boarded, and they needed one seat. The auction started at $200 and a guaranteed seat on next flight. No takers. The bid went up to $300, then $500, and finally $1000. BINGO! Three call lights went off simultaneously. Reportedly, Delta paid one family of four $11,000 last year.
If you want to try and get bumped with compensation, here are a few tips:
Purchase tickets on days with high traffic volume such as Wednesday before Thanksgiving or the weekend before or after Christmas. More people are inflexible with their travel plans around the holidays.
Arrive at the boarding gate early. If you’re hanging out at the airport lounge, or grabbing a snack, you won’t hear the announcement for volunteers.
Carry-on bag only. If your have checked bags already on the plane, the agents will move on to another volunteer.
Plan to spend a lot of time in the airport. Stock up on snacks, water, reading material.
Be nice to the gate agents. They have the power.
Ready to plan your next vacation (without getting bumped!)? I’d love to help. Call or email me today and I’ll get started. 888-429-1929 or terri@sevenwondersgrouptravel.com