How to Get Bumped on Purpose to Save on Airfare

Bumping—denied boarding—occurs when there are more passengers with confirmed reservations who show up for a flight than there are seats on the plane.

This is called overbooking the plane. (Or if the flight is a particularly full one, it may exceed the weight limit even with empty seats.) Airlines overbook because they know from experience that all passengers who have made reservations seldom show up for the flight. To have any chance of filling the plane, airline computers estimate the number of passengers likely to be no-shows and accept reservations accordingly. (Airlines also ignore the overbook limit when a customer is buying a full-fare ticket, because the cost of bribing volunteers with a bump ticket is usually less than the additional income derived from a full-fare ticket.)

Airlines usually guess right--fewer than 20 of every 10,000 passengers are voluntarily or involuntarily bumped. But when they make a mistake, they are obliged to pay the price. (They are not, however, obliged to offer compensation when flights are canceled because of weather conditions, changes in aircraft, such as when a smaller plane is substituted for a larger one, on planes with sixty or fewer passengers, or on flights originating outside the United States.)

For a business person rushing to close a deal, getting bumped is a disaster. For those with the flexibility to take advantage of such travel boondoggle as come their way, getting bumped--and compensated--is an absolute windfall.

Travel Tip

Expert bumpees, who have more time than money for traveling, suggest making a reservation only if a flight is almost full. If there are less than eight seats available, some people will most likely be bumped. Look for flights on heavily traveled days, but on small-bodied aircraft like 727s and 737s. (Bumping compensation rules don't apply to commuter airlines or charter flights.)

If the airline asks for volunteers, speak up. The compensation could be as little as a $50 voucher or it could go as high as a 100% free ticket. Reminder: You don't get a free flight if the airline can get you on another flight for the same destination within the hour.

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Table of Contents

How to Fly For Free by Being Bumped
Call for Volunteers
How to Get Bumped
More Tips and Tricks
What Happens to Your Luggage?
Hotel Discounts for Bumpee's
Meal Vouchers
How to Get Bumped into First Class
Help From Your Travel Agent
Canceled Flights
Rebooking
What if You Change Your Mind?
International Bumps
Using the Voucher
Compensation for Being Involuntarily Bumped
Airline Compensation Examples
Negotiating a Better Deal
Other Compensation
Four Things to Make Sure of Before Accepting an Airline Offer to Give Up Your Seat Voluntarily