Getting Bumped Help & Tips

Getting Bumped From a Flight

Anthony Bruno

Reviewed by: Maura Huntz

Updated: August 15, 2024

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Key Topics:

• Why do airlines "bump" travelers?
• Legal Framework and Regulations
• Voluntary vs. involuntary bumping
• Passenger Protections in Europe
• Tips for Negotiating Compensation
• The Role of Airline Loyalty Programs
• Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
• Additional Tips for Avoiding Bumping
• Impact of Technology on Bumping
• Practical Tips for Being Bumped
• When Your Chances of Getting Bumped Increase
• Important Tips for the Voluntarily Bumped
• Getting Bumped From an International Flight
• FAQ: Getting Bumped From a Flight

If you’ve ever walked up to the gate, ticket in hand, only to be told that your seat was given away, you know the sinking feeling that comes with getting ‘bumped.’ I’ve been there, and it’s not fun.

Why do airlines "bump" travelers?

Overbooking

I’ve learned the hard way that airlines sometimes sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane. It’s called overbooking, and while it makes sense from their perspective, it can be a real headache for travelers like us.

Airlines use complex algorithms to predict how many passengers won’t show up for a flight, and they sell more tickets than there are seats based on these predictions. This practice maximizes their revenue but can lead to overbooking and, consequently, bumping passengers who were unlucky enough to arrive late or have the least expensive tickets.

Legal Framework and Regulations

You might be surprised to know that there is no law to prevent overbooking. The U.S. Department of Transportation, however, has set certain rules that airlines must follow when they bump passengers. These rules vary depending on whether the flight is domestic or international.

For example, if you’re bumped and the airline can’t get you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time, you’re entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the length of the delay and whether the flight is domestic or international. Knowing your rights can make a big difference in how you handle being bumped.

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Voluntary vs. involuntary bumping

From my experience, airlines usually start by asking if anyone will voluntarily give up their seat. It’s always a gamble—do I take the offer or risk getting bumped involuntarily?

If you volunteer, you’ll be compensated, typically with a voucher for a future flight. The value of these vouchers can vary, so it’s worth negotiating if you’re asked to give up your seat. I’ve found that asking for meal vouchers, hotel stays, or even additional flight credits can sweeten the deal significantly.

Passenger Protections in Europe

If you’re flying to or from Europe, you’re protected by some of the strongest passenger rights regulations in the world. Under EU law, if you’re bumped from a flight, you’re entitled to compensation of up to €600, depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. Additionally, the airline must rebook you on another flight, and if necessary, provide you with meals, refreshments, and accommodation.

I’ve traveled through Europe many times, and knowing these rights has saved me a lot of stress. If you find yourself bumped while flying in Europe, make sure to ask the airline about your compensation and rebooking options.

Tips for Negotiating Compensation

Whenever I’ve volunteered to give up my seat, I’ve been compensated with vouchers or even future flight credits. It’s always worth asking what’s on the table, but don’t be afraid to negotiate. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years:

• Get it in writing: Whatever the airline offers, make sure you get it in writing. This protects you if there’s a dispute later.
• Ask for more: If the airline offers you a voucher, ask if they can throw in a meal or hotel voucher as well. It never hurts to ask, and you’d be surprised how often they agree.
• Consider your needs: If you’re not in a hurry, ask for a later flight that might offer a better seat or an upgrade. If you need to get to your destination quickly, prioritize that over compensation.

The Role of Airline Loyalty Programs

One thing I’ve noticed is that being part of an airline’s loyalty program can significantly impact your chances of getting bumped. Frequent flyers and those with elite status are often the last to be bumped. If you travel often, it’s worth joining a loyalty program and working your way up the status tiers. This not only reduces your chances of getting bumped but also offers perks like priority boarding and free upgrades.

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

I remember one flight where I volunteered to be bumped because I had no pressing reason to get to my destination quickly. The airline offered me a $400 voucher, a hotel stay, and a seat on the first flight out the next morning. It was a win-win for me, as I got to relax in a comfortable hotel and had my next trip partially paid for.

Another time, I was involuntarily bumped from a flight while traveling to a wedding. I explained my situation to the gate agent, and they were able to rebook me on a flight that got me to my destination just in time. They also provided me with a meal voucher and access to the airport lounge while I waited. It wasn’t ideal, but knowing how to handle the situation made it a lot less stressful.

Additional Tips for Avoiding Bumping

Getting bumped from your flight can really wreak havoc on your travel plans, especially if you have connecting flights or are on international travel. There are some ways with which you can reduce the chances of ever getting bumped from a flight.

• Monitor flight status: Keep an eye on your flight status using the airline’s app or a flight tracking app. If you see that the flight is overbooked, you can be proactive in either volunteering to be bumped or arriving early to avoid it.
• Understand flight capacity trends: Some flights are more likely to be overbooked than others. Flights on popular routes, during peak travel times, or later in the day are more likely to be full. If possible, choose flights that are less likely to be overbooked.
• Choose flights during off-peak hours: Flights early in the morning or late at night are often less crowded, reducing your chances of being bumped.

Impact of Technology on Bumping

Technology has made it easier to manage the risk of being bumped. Most airlines now offer mobile apps that allow you to check in early, monitor your flight status, and receive real-time updates. These tools can give you a heads-up if your flight is overbooked, allowing you to take action before it’s too late. Additionally, some apps will notify you of available seats on alternative flights, which can be a lifesaver if you’re trying to avoid being bumped.

Practical Tips for Being Bumped

Here are some additional tips to help you navigate the situation if you find yourself bumped from a flight:

• If you are bumped, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, and have checked baggage, your bags will not be removed from the plane but continue to your destination, pending your arrival later.
• Travel light: If you intend to be rebooked on a later flight, do not bring your luggage to be checked in but restrict yourself to carry-on luggage. That way you're not tied down to the destination your baggage will be sent to (on the flight you got bumped from), but are free to choose alternative airports in your area.
• Offer your services: When you arrive early at the gate, you need to be among the first to offer your volunteer services when the gate agent shows up. Just let the agent know you’re not in a rush to get to your destination, and if the cabin is full, you’re available to be bumped. Thereafter, avoid checking back in, but rather park yourself nearby to be ready when your name is called.
• Consider the deal: You have only a short period of time for negotiating a deal and deciding on whether to accept it or not. If you are delayed for more than two hours, ask for a meal voucher and access to an airport lounge. For an overnight delay, you can request a hotel room and a meal voucher. In addition, you can also ask for a transportation voucher to and from the hotel.

When Your Chances of Getting Bumped Increase

As we have seen from the above discussion, you can minimize the chances of getting bumped from flights. But it is also important to be well aware of the facts that increase your chances of getting bumped.

• When you choose a popular flight: When you choose a popular flight (like LAX to ORD, or ATL to FLL), there are more chances that it is overbooked. Further, it increases the chances of getting bumped.
• Choosing a holiday flight: Overbooking occurs more likely with flights before and after major holidays. So, try to avoid traveling during those times.
• Check the weather: Bad weather can cause flight cancellations and results in a cascade of overbooked flights across the country. Therefore, airlines try to accommodate stranded passengers on the flights. In this situation, your chances of losing your seat also increase considerably. On the other side, your chances of getting another flight also decrease.

Important Tips for the Voluntarily Bumped

If you voluntarily give up your seat, the airline will offer some benefits to you. Here are some tips to make the most of it:

• Update the reward: If you volunteer your seat, make sure that you get the top reward possible. Don’t settle for the first offer; negotiate if necessary.
• Get offers in writing: Whatever offers you are getting, ask the agent to put it in writing. You can also ask them to sign it and add their employee number.
• Request more: Ask the agent to rebook your flight for an upgrade. If upgrades are not available at flight time, you may still benefit from credit and compensation.
• Stay at a hotel: If you have to stay overnight for the rebooked flight, the airline will issue a hotel voucher, which is accepted at certain airport hotels. If the location of the hotel requires transportation, ask for a transportation voucher as well.
• Use the club lounge: If you have to wait over two hours to get to the rebooked flight, ask to use the airline's club lounge. You can enjoy free drinks, snacks, television, and computer workstations while you wait.

Getting Bumped From an International Flight

If you are denied boarding on an international flight, the airline will reroute you. In this case, you may not get extra compensation, but if you’re traveling to or from Europe, there are certain laws in place to protect the rights of EU passengers who get delayed or bumped.

Involuntary rerouting can involve upgrading your class of service at no extra charge. Moreover, you can also get the benefit of rebooking your flight with a different airline to the same destination with a higher class of service.

If the rerouting involves an overnight stay, the airline will provide accommodation in a hotel and meal vouchers. However, you will not receive any free tickets.

If you have purchased a first-class ticket and are rerouted with a lower class, the airline is required to refund the difference in fare. If you want to get to your destination without getting bumped, the safest way is to get a first-class ticket.