| What does getting bumped mean? | | | | customer service department and you’ll want |
| - "Getting bumped" is the common term most people | | | | the receipts to back you up. Send your Airline copies |
| use when they are denied boarding on a flight | | | | of the receipts and keep the original receipts. |
| because there is no room for them on the plane | | | | - If it looks like lots of people are going to be stuck |
| even though they have a reservation. The Airlines | | | | for a long time, consider booking a hotel room and/or |
| often "overbook" and sell more than 100% of a | | | | a rental car before everyone else grabs them all. |
| particular flight’s seats because they know that | | | | Under certain situations, some Airlines provide |
| some of the people with reservations won’t | | | | vouchers for hotel rooms and ground transportation |
| show up for the flight. Sometimes everyone does | | | | so you should check with them before making your |
| show up and this means that there won’t be | | | | own arrangements. You may also be entitled to meal |
| enough seats to go around and someone must be | | | | vouchers and other perks. |
| left behind. Those left behind have been "bumped" | | | | - Update any future reservations with Airlines, hotels |
| from the flight and will have to take a later flight. | | | | or rental cars that will be effected by your delay. |
| What is the difference between voluntary and | | | | If I get involuntarily bumped, will I be compensated |
| involuntary bumping? | | | | no matter what? |
| - You may think this is too obvious, but with | | | | - No, you may think that being bumped will |
| voluntary bumping you choose to give up your seat | | | | automatically get you money, complimentary meals |
| on your flight for some form of compensation | | | | and a free hotel stay, but that’s not always true. |
| (usually travel vouchers or cash) and with involuntary | | | | There are several situations where Airlines are not |
| bumping you are forced to give up your seat. | | | | required to compensate you in any manner if you are |
| However, there is another very important difference | | | | bumped, even if you are involuntarily bumped. In |
| between these two types of bumping. Those that | | | | some situations, you might even be forfeiting your |
| are involuntarily bumped are protected under specific | | | | right to a refund of your unused ticket. However, in |
| Federal Aviation Administration guidelines that spell | | | | many situations, if you did everything right, the |
| out the minimum amount of compensation and other | | | | Federal Aviation Administration does require that the |
| protection for passengers that are involuntarily | | | | Airline provide some compensation to passengers |
| bumped. If you volunteer to be bumped, you are | | | | that have been involuntarily denied boarding. |
| simply agreeing to take a deal from the Airline. This | | | | What are some of the reasons I might be denied |
| "deal" is not regulated and will depend on upon the | | | | compensation if I am involuntarily bumped? |
| Airline’s gate attendants and your negotiation | | | | There are several situations where Airlines are not |
| skills. | | | | required to compensate you in any manner if you are |
| What happens to my checked luggage if I get | | | | bumped, even if you are involuntarily bumped. In |
| bumped? | | | | some situations, you might even be forfeiting your |
| - It may fly ahead on the plane you were supposed | | | | right to a refund of your unused ticket. You may be |
| to take. Even though they’ll probably promise to | | | | denied compensation if: |
| keep it for you at your destination airport until you | | | | - You acquired the ticket in violation of the |
| catch up, you might want to consider keeping your | | | | Airline’s rules, regulations or any tariffs or |
| luggage with you, especially if you are unsure on | | | | applicable law. |
| when you will be making it to that destination. You | | | | - You failed to fully comply with the Airline’s |
| will at least want to confirm that they are making | | | | ticketing requirements. There are many requirements |
| arrangements to protect your luggage at your | | | | that can apply, such as, completing the purchase |
| destination. If it’s already loaded on the plane, | | | | within a specified time after making your reservation. |
| but the plane hasn’t left, see if the luggage can | | | | - You failed to fully comply with the Airline’s |
| be taken off the plane and returned to you. | | | | reconfirmation requirements. |
| Although, you might not want to get stuck watching | | | | - You don’t have a confirmed reservation. You |
| your luggage while you wait for another flight, | | | | should check for an "OK" in the status box of your |
| allowing your luggage to travel ahead can increase | | | | ticket so even if the Airline can't find your |
| the chance it will disappear. You may also need the | | | | reservation in the computer you’ll still be o.k. |
| items in your luggage if you can’t make it on | | | | - You cancelled your reservation or changed your |
| another flight and you get stuck with an unexpected | | | | itinerary along the way and failed to notify the Airline, |
| overnight stay. | | | | which resulted in automatic cancellation of your entire |
| How can I avoid being bumped? | | | | itinerary. |
| - Avoid using an Airline that oversells too much and | | | | - Most Airlines’ conditions of carriage state that |
| ends up bumping many of its passengers. | | | | with many of their tickets, failure to arrive at the |
| - Keep up with the news and see if your Airline is | | | | check-in counter, the flight’s departure gate or |
| facing any upcoming labor negotiations. If they are in | | | | your assigned seat a prescribed amount of time |
| negotiation near the time you are planning your trip, | | | | before the flight’s scheduled departure time may |
| you might want to use another Airline in case yours | | | | cause you to forfeit any refund or other |
| has a work stoppage or slowdown. | | | | compensation due for the unused ticket, even if you |
| - Check the weather conditions that are common | | | | have an advance seat assignment and advance |
| along your route to see if you can plan your trip to | | | | boarding pass. |
| avoid periods when foul weather causes delayed and | | | | - You are refused boarding because you are unable |
| cancelled flights. Delayed and especially cancelled | | | | to present proper government issued photo I.D., are |
| flights will fill up other flights and that can cause the | | | | unruly, drunk, fail to cooperate with security or |
| need for an Airline to bump passengers. | | | | exhibit any other behavior or take any action |
| - Avoid peak travel times. | | | | covered under the Airline’s "right to refuse |
| - Fly nonstop or with the least amount of | | | | carriage" policy. |
| connections possible. Each time you land and take | | | | - The flight was canceled. Guidelines for cancelled |
| off, you increase your chances to get bumped. If | | | | flights are handled under a separate section of the |
| you do have to include connecting flights, try to | | | | Airlines’ contract of carriage. |
| make them at the least congested airports. Limiting | | | | - A smaller aircraft was substituted for safety or |
| your stops will also help you to avoid the possibility | | | | operation reasons. |
| of a misconnection. | | | | - The Airline finds you a seat on another flight that is |
| - Consider flying earlier in the day so you’ll have | | | | scheduled to arrive at your final destination (including |
| more options remaining through out the day to | | | | later connections) within one hour of your originally |
| complete your trip if you do get bumped. | | | | scheduled arrival time. |
| - Avoid booking the last flight of the day. This is | | | | - You are put in another section of the aircraft for |
| especially important on peak flight days when many | | | | no additional charge. |
| flights end up being overbooked. Often, fewer people | | | | - The flight involves an airplane with 60 or fewer |
| are willing to volunteer to be bumped from the last | | | | seats. |
| flight of the day since they will have to end up | | | | - The flight is on a chartered aircraft. |
| waiting until the next morning to leave. Since this | | | | - The flight from which you are bumped is an inbound |
| increases your chances of being involuntarily bumped, | | | | international flight to the United States or the whole |
| plan on arriving to the last flight of the day even | | | | flight takes place outside the United States. Flights |
| earlier than you would for other flights. Also, note | | | | outside the United States are not required to meet |
| that many Airlines have a policy against paying for a | | | | F.A.A. requirements. You should check with your |
| hotel stay at your flight’s origin if you are | | | | Airline for its guidelines concerning involuntary bumping |
| delayed overnight. | | | | on non-U.S. flights. |
| - Don’t buy standby or open tickets to travel | | | | What types of compensation will I receive if I did |
| during peak travel times. | | | | everything right and still get involuntarily bumped? |
| - If you fear you may get bumped, consider using a | | | | The Federal Aviation Administration does have |
| paper ticket over an electronic ticket. If you need to | | | | minimum requirements for compensation if you are |
| transfer to another Airline to continue your trip, a | | | | involuntarily bumped, but these minimums may not |
| paper ticket can save you time. Most Airlines are not | | | | cover all of the costs of your delay. Many other |
| yet able to transfer passengers flying on e-tickets | | | | items, such as, hotel stays, meals, and ground |
| without first taking the time to switch them to a | | | | transportation may be left up to the Airline’s |
| paper ticket. | | | | condition of carriage and your negotiation skills. Many |
| - Try to get a seat assignment when you book your | | | | Airlines provide this information on their web sites so |
| flight. | | | | you might consider printing it off and taking it with |
| - Confirm your reservation and verify that the Airline | | | | you. The U.S. Department of Transportation also |
| has all the correct information. | | | | mandates that a copy of this contract must be |
| - It’s not the cheapest way to go, but flying | | | | made available to passengers at the Airline’s |
| first class, full fare or business class will get you a | | | | ticket counter. Know that compensation for delay will |
| better shot at seats, especially among the last to | | | | vary depending on the amount of time you were |
| arrive. | | | | delayed, the type of flight you take and possibly |
| - Join an Airline’s elite member club or frequent | | | | even the class of ticket you hold. |
| flyer programs. | | | | - If the Airline finds you a seat on another flight that |
| - Arrive early and confirm your seat assignment since | | | | is scheduled to arrive at your final destination |
| the latest to get there will be the most likely to be | | | | (including later connections) within one hour of your |
| left out. | | | | originally scheduled arrival time, you are not entitled |
| - Ask about the flight when you check your luggage. | | | | to any compensation. |
| If the flight is overbooked, go directly to the gate. | | | | - If the Airline finds you a seat on another flight that |
| Just having checked in, won’t always guarantee | | | | is scheduled to arrive at your final destination |
| you a seat. | | | | (including later connections) between one and two |
| - Board when your row is called. If you delay, they | | | | hours after your originally scheduled arrival time on |
| might think your seat is open and board a standby | | | | domestic flights or between one and four hours on |
| passenger in your place. | | | | international flights, you are entitled to an amount |
| What should I know before I volunteer to be | | | | equal to the fare you paid, (for that portion of the |
| bumped? | | | | trip) with a maximum amount of $200. |
| - If you do volunteer, you will be stuck with | | | | - If the Airline finds you a seat on another flight that |
| whatever deal you accept. If something is not part | | | | is scheduled to arrive at your final destination |
| of the deal, don’t expect to get it even if it | | | | (including later connections) more than two hours late |
| turns out you need it later. You’ll want to know | | | | domestically or four hours late internationally, you are |
| all the details of the Airline’s offer before you | | | | entitled to twice the amount of the fare you paid, |
| agree to accept their deal. | | | | (for that portion of the trip) with a maximum amount |
| - Is a seat on their next flight guaranteed and | | | | of $400. |
| confirmed and when is that flight scheduled? | | | | - If the Airline fails to make any substitute travel |
| Remember, if you agree to fly on standby you could | | | | arrangements for you, you are entitled to twice the |
| end up getting stranded. | | | | amount of the fare you paid, (for that portion of the |
| - What will happen if it turns out you won’t be | | | | trip) with a maximum amount of $400. |
| able to find me a seat on the next flight or that flight | | | | - Most Airlines will try, and they are allowed, to first |
| is delayed or cancelled? | | | | offer you a travel voucher for future flights in at |
| - What will happen to my checked luggage? | | | | least the amount required. However, you do have |
| - What type of consideration is available if I volunteer | | | | the right to insist on a check for that amount of |
| to be bumped? | | | | money if you do not want a travel voucher. You |
| - What limitations are there on the free ticket or | | | | might be able to negotiate a higher amount if you |
| travel voucher? When will they expire, are there | | | | are willing to accept a travel voucher over a check. |
| blackout dates, can they be used for international | | | | However, be sure to review the terms of use of the |
| travel and can I make a regular reservation for their | | | | travel voucher before you accept their offer, just as |
| use? Are there minimum or maximum stay | | | | you would if you were volunteering to be bumped. |
| requirements? Are the vouchers good for only a | | | | - In addition to the above compensation, you are |
| certain class of tickets? | | | | always entitled to keep your original ticket and use it |
| - What happens if you can’t get me on a flight | | | | on another flight to continue your trip or request an |
| today and I have to spend the night? Will you pay | | | | "involuntary refund" for the portion of the ticket |
| for a hotel stay and transportation to that hotel? | | | | from which you were involuntarily denied boarding. |
| - Is a meal voucher, long distance phone credit or | | | | The denied boarding compensation is in addition to |
| hotel voucher available for my delay? What are the | | | | the value of the ticket and is a payment for your |
| restrictions on those items? | | | | inconvenience. The denied boarding compensation is |
| - Are there any other premiums available such as | | | | not a refund for the ticket. |
| entrance into their airport club lounge while I wait or | | | | - It’s always a good idea to pay for your plane |
| headset vouchers? | | | | ticket with a credit card. It usually makes it easier |
| What should I do if I am involuntarily bumped? | | | | and quicker for you to get your refund and, if the |
| - If you are involuntarily bumped, work with the | | | | Airline gives you hard time about refunding your |
| Airline’s counter personnel to book you on | | | | unused ticket, you can ask your credit card company |
| another flight. Being nice and working with the agent | | | | about the possibility of a charge back. |
| will often bring much better results than losing your | | | | - The Federal Aviation Administration requires Airlines |
| temper. You can let them know you are upset | | | | to issue you a check or paid travel vouchers |
| without turning your anger toward them. Know that | | | | immediately. |
| there are written guidelines, some of which are | | | | Can I get more compensation than the minimum |
| required by the Federal Aviation Administration, that | | | | amount required by the Federal Aviation |
| protect passengers who have been involuntarily | | | | Administration? |
| denied boarding. | | | | - Maybe. Depending on your particular circumstances, |
| - Ask to be protected under the Airline’s own | | | | you may be entitled to additional compensation. |
| written rules in the ticket’s conditions or contract | | | | Some Airlines do provide other types of |
| of carriage for dealing with bumped passengers so | | | | compensation to cover some of your costs for being |
| you are given all the consideration you are legally due. | | | | delayed. The Airline’s own written rules in the |
| This section of the contract is often called "Rule | | | | ticket’s conditions or contract of carriage |
| 245", but no matter what it is called, they will have a | | | | specifically spell out what action they must take to |
| section that specifically spells out what action they | | | | help you continue your trip and what minimum |
| must take to help you continue your trip and what | | | | compensation you are due, if any. Items, such as, |
| compensation you are due, if any. The U.S. | | | | hotel stays, meals, long distance phone calls, ground |
| Department of Transportation mandates that a copy | | | | transportation and any other perks are left up to the |
| of this contract be available to passengers at the | | | | Airline’s condition of carriage and your negotiation |
| Airline’s ticket counter. Many Airlines also provide | | | | skills. Also, remember that it never hurts to ask for |
| this information on their web sites so you might print | | | | more than the minimum amounts listed in their |
| it off and take it with you in case you need it. | | | | written rules. Even though, your Airline may not be |
| - Make sure the Airline has first asked for volunteers | | | | required to give you all the compensation you feel |
| to be bumped. They are required to at least ask for | | | | you are due, they still may provide you with |
| volunteers. Although, there are no specific guidelines | | | | something extra to keep you a happy customer. |
| for the offers they make, they should offer | | | | What options do I have if I feel the Airline's counter |
| compensation of some form to encourage volunteers | | | | personnel are not offering me enough compensation |
| before they deny you a seat. | | | | for being involuntarily bumped? |
| - See if others in your party belong to any premium | | | | - First, look at their conditions of carriage to make |
| clubs that will help to get you special consideration. | | | | sure they are at least giving you all the compensation |
| - If you checked luggage to go on the flight from | | | | you are due under their own rules and don’t |
| which you were bumped, take measures to protect | | | | forget it never hurts to ask for more. |
| that luggage. | | | | - If you feel the amount of compensation the Airline |
| - See if they can guarantee you a seat on another | | | | is offering doesn’t fully cover your losses for |
| flight. | | | | being bumpe, you can try to negotiate a higher |
| - See if your Airline is willing to find you a seat on | | | | settlement directly with their customer service |
| another Airline. Although, their contract may allow | | | | department. However, first make sure you are clear |
| them some time to first find you a flight on their | | | | on the Airline’s procedures for negotiating |
| own Airline, most state that when they fail to do so, | | | | additional compensation. Often, you have at most 30 |
| they will try to find you a seat with another Airline. | | | | days from the date on the check to decide if you |
| Know that many Airlines limit your potential choices | | | | want to accept the amount of the check. Once the |
| of other Airlines only to certain Airlines that have | | | | deadline expires, you cash the check or use their |
| existing agreements with your Airline. Your option | | | | travel voucher; you will probably lose the right to |
| probably won’t be to find any other flight at the | | | | later demand any further compensation from the |
| airport that works. It will be to find another flight | | | | Airline. |
| from a list of specific Airlines. | | | | - You always have the right to decline the |
| - The Airline’s contract of carriage may state | | | | Airline’s offer and take them to court and sue |
| that, if you so choose, you are entitled to an | | | | for more compensation. However, unless you have |
| involuntary refund for any unused portion of your | | | | verifiable, definite costs that could be fully |
| ticket, even if you purchased a nonrefundable ticket. | | | | documented and were solely, directly and unavoidably |
| - This contract also specifies what, if any, other | | | | caused by being involuntarily bumped, you probably |
| compensation you are due because you were | | | | won’t have much of a chance in court. Courts |
| involuntarily denied boarding of the flight. Some of | | | | have traditionally upheld the amount of compensation |
| this compensation is regulated under Federal Aviation | | | | required under Federal Aviation Administration |
| Administration guidelines. The compensation due will | | | | guidelines and any additional compensation stated in |
| usually vary depending on the reason you were | | | | the Airline’s contract of carriage so suing can be |
| denied boarding and how time much you were | | | | risky and costly, particularly if your only complaint is |
| delayed. The compensation guidelines for U.S. | | | | inconvenience or lost time. If you do have a special |
| domestic flights also vary from flights with an | | | | situation where you could show that being |
| international portion. You may be entitled to vouchers | | | | involuntarily bumped will cause you a financial loss far |
| for meals, overnight stays, long distance phone calls, | | | | above their offer and you think this would make a |
| and/or ground transportation in addition to travel | | | | good court case you should notify the Airline of your |
| vouchers or monetary rewards. | | | | situation when you are denied boarding. Your situation |
| - Keep all receipts for expenses caused by being | | | | might encourage them to increase their offer to |
| involuntarily bumped. No matter what their rules say, | | | | other passengers so someone else will volunteer to |
| you can always make an appeal to the Airline’s | | | | be bumped in your place. |