What Happens if a Flight is Overbooked? Understanding Your Rights
Learn what to do if your flight is overbooked and how to protect your rights and compensation.
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Yes, airlines may ask passengers to voluntarily give up their seats when a flight is overbooked. If not enough passengers do so, they may deny boarding to some passengers, providing compensation and a seat on the next available flight. To minimize your chance of being selected, check in early, be polite, and ensure you have a confirmed seat assignment. Familiarize yourself with the airline’s overbooking policy to know your rights and compensation entitlements.
FAQs & Answers
- What happens if my flight is overbooked? If your flight is overbooked, airlines may ask for volunteers to give up their seats. If there are not enough volunteers, they can deny boarding to some passengers and provide compensation and a seat on the next available flight.
- How can I avoid being bumped from an overbooked flight? To minimize your chances of being bumped from an overbooked flight, check in early, be polite to airline staff, and ensure you have a confirmed seat assignment.
- What compensation can I receive if I'm denied boarding? If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you may be entitled to compensation, which varies by airline. Generally, it includes a refund or a seat on the next available flight along with additional compensation such as meal vouchers.
- Do airlines have to compensate you for being bumped? Yes, airlines are generally required to compensate passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding, in accordance with relevant regulations. It's important to be familiar with the specific airline's overbooking policy for detailed entitlements.