Contents
Voluntary or Involuntary Bumping from Your Flight
Voluntary Bumping and your Rights
Involuntary Bumping and your Rights
Being Bumped -- What you Need to Know
Important Tips for the Voluntary Bumped
Important Tips for the Voluntary Bumped
If you Don't Want to get Bumped
Being Bumped from an International Flight
There are several reasons for Airlines "bumping" travelers from their pre-booked flights:
One is that airlines overbook, taking into account that up to 15% of persons with prior reservation do not show up. When indeed everyone shows up, there aren't enough seats available and the call goes out for volunteers willing to give up their seats for a later flight by offering an incentive for the inconvenience this is causing. If there are no volunteers, the airline can request that a passenger will give up the seat for a later flight, which is called "involuntary bumping", as opposed to "voluntary bumping".
Another reason can be that inclement weather or mechanical problems has caused the carrier to cancel flights and its next-departing flights may not be able to accommodate many of the stranded passengers. After attempting to garner enough volunteers, the airline may also resort to "involuntary bumping" if they deem it necessary in case of special needs or circumstances of some of their passengers.
One is that airlines overbook, taking into account that up to 15% of persons with prior reservation do not show up. When indeed everyone shows up, there aren't enough seats available and the call goes out for volunteers willing to give up their seats for a later flight by offering an incentive for the inconvenience this is causing. If there are no volunteers, the airline can request that a passenger will give up the seat for a later flight, which is called "involuntary bumping", as opposed to "voluntary bumping".
Another reason can be that inclement weather or mechanical problems has caused the carrier to cancel flights and its next-departing flights may not be able to accommodate many of the stranded passengers. After attempting to garner enough volunteers, the airline may also resort to "involuntary bumping" if they deem it necessary in case of special needs or circumstances of some of their passengers.
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Voluntary Bumping and your RightsFor the volunteer who doesn't mind waiting for the next flight to their destination and thereby getting compensated by means of either money or a voucher good for a one-way trip, this is a way to finance future travels.
If you choose to give up your seat, you have to accept your airline's deal, which differs from airline to airline and is not regulated by the FAA. Once you have accepted the deal, no changes can be made. NOTE: Commuter airlines serving smaller communities or link to regional hubs, as well as charters, do not have set compensation rules. Also, no compensation is offered if the airline is able to put you on another flight within the hour. It is possible that a commuter airline will put you on standby, meaning you could be in for a very long wait.
In general, airlines offer as compensation free tickets or a dollar-amount voucher toward a domestic or international flight. If you accept the free ticket, keep in mind that it may come with many restrictions and/or limited seat availability.
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Involuntary Bumping and your RightsTo the person who is being involuntarily bumped, this could be a disaster: A missed important business meeting, a missed reunion, a missed wedding.... It is important that you state your special circumstances for the airline's consideration. However, also note that airlines are reluctant to bump their best customers, be it the ones who paid full fare for first- and business class, or even the frequent flyer class. Those economy-class travelers with last-minute reservations and/or late arrivals are usually the most likely to be targeted for bumping.
If you are forced to give up your seat, the FAA has set rules and guidelines for Airlines to follow, which are basically the following:
(a) You are not entitled to compensation if the airline is able to get you to your final destination within one hour of your original arrival time.
(b) You are entitled to compensation equal to your one-way fare, but not exceeding $200, if the airline is able to get you to your final destination within two hours of your original domestic flight, or four hours of your original international flight.
(c) You are entitled to compensation of double your one-way fare, but not exceeding $400, if the airline delays you more than two hours for a domestic, and four hours for an international flight. If the airline makes no alternate arrangements for you, this is also the limit.
NOTE: The airline may offer you a voucher for future travel - you can insist on getting a check instead, which should be issued then and there.
In addition to the FAA's mandate, your airline's own policy may include other offers, such as: access to their airport lounge, meal voucher, and/or hotel vouchers in case you need to stay overnight. Do not hesitate to ask for them if they are not freely offered to you.
ALSO: Ask to be protected under the airline's own "Rule 245" which is a section of their contract dealing with what action it is to take to rebook your trip and the compensation to be made.
- If you are bumped -- voluntarily or involuntarily and have checked baggage, your bags will not be removed from the plane but continue on to your destination, pending your arrival later.
- Keep all receipts for expenses caused by being involuntarily bumped. Regardless of their rules, you have the option of an appeal to the airline's customer service department, backing up your claim with your receipts (keep the original, give them copies).
- If you feel you will be delayed for a long time, consider booking a hotel room and/or a rental car before everyone else does. Given special situations, some airlines issue vouchers for hotel rooms and ground transportation--check before making your own arrangements. You may also be entitled to meal vouchers, telephone charges, etc. Pay attention to any future reservations with airlines, hotels or rental cars that will be affected by your delay and contact them.
Whether you want to be bumped or not, these three rules apply to both:
1. Reserve a Seat You are less likely to be bumped involuntarily - and have more power to negotiate for voluntary bumps - if you have an assigned seat. Reserve your seat when booking your ticket. A message saying your seats will be assigned at the airport or are "under airport control" usually means the flight is overbooked. You may want to choose another flight or airline.
2. Check In Early You can check in from home by Internet up to 24 hrs prior to your scheduled departure for most airlines. Even though you still need to be at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your flight, if you want to avoid getting stuck at the security line while your airline gives away your seat (or your chance to get bumped).
3. Obtain a Guarantee or an Alternative If you lose your seat on one flight, chances are you have a long wait if other flights are likewise crowded. Ask the gate representative to get you a confirmed seat on another flight with that airline or, if that's not possible, on another airline.
NOTE: "priority standby" means: We don't have a seat for you! Therefore, you want "confirmed".
Thereafter, strategies for getting or avoiding a bump differ considerably.