The Airline Overbooks and You’re Bumped
Programmers try to develop formulas that will overbook just enough to ensure a full aircraft and allow for no-shows. That's a tricky task that no one has fully mastered.
It is profitable to overbook, even at the risk of giving away free tickets and overnight accommodations. A few freebies are preferable to 10 or 20 empty seats on a flight.
Some travelers consider overbooked flights a golden opportunity. The night before your departure you call the airline or your travel agent and ask if the flight is overbooked. A “yes” answer means you need to be at your gate very early. You want to be first in line to volunteer to be bumped.
The Department of Transportation (D.O.T) requires airlines to ask for volunteers before they deny boarding to anyone. You should make it clear that you’re willing to be bumped.
The D.O.T. does not specify compensation, so a final agreement should come only after some important issues are settled to your satisfaction. Flight arrangements for the current trip top the list. Make certain you can get on that airline's next flight to your destination. If not, you want a guaranteed flight on another airline. You have the law on your side here.
Next, you'll probably be offered a travel voucher that's good for deeply discounted or free flights on a future trip. Be certain today's inconvenience will pay off. Is a discount coupon worth the trouble when you really want a roundtrip ticket? A full or partial cash refund usually beats any kind of voucher. Ask, but don't be surprised at a refusal.
A cash credit that you can apply to any future purchase from the supplier is usually worth more than a "free" or discount voucher, mainly because cash vouchers usually don't limit you by season or inventory. It's like any other negotiation: If you're not happy, be prepared to walk away.
Delays of more than two hours should entitle you to meal vouchers and perhaps admission to the airline's V.I.P. club. Don't be afraid to ask about these items.
You might find yourself bumped from the second flight, too. It is possible to earn two or more free tickets in a single day.