Why Airlines Can Bump

You—And What They

Owe You in Return
 Travelers get bumped from flights because airlines sell
more tickets than they have seats on the plane. Airlines
assume through long experience that some last-minute
business travelers or families who misjudge traffic on the
way to the airport just won't show up for their planes. So
with every flight, they bet on the number of no-shows.
When those bets go awry, it's time to bump.
So, What You'll Get For Being Bumped Involuntarily
Here are the rules, from the Department of Transportation.

If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation
that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections)
within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.
If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your
destinationbetween one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one
and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to
200% of your one-way fare to your final destination that day, with a $675 maximum.
If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than
two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any
substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (400% of your one-
way fare, $1350 maximum).
Keep in mind that If you paid
for optional services on your
original flight (e.g., seat
selection, checked baggage)
and you did not receive those
services on your substitute
flight or were required to pay a
second time, the airline that
bumped you must refund those
payments to you.
How To Avoid If you absolutely need to be on

Getting Bumped 01.

your assigned flight, make sure
you have a seat assignment.
Not having a seat assignment
doesn't mean you'll be bumped,
but it increases the chances in
case of an overloaded situation.

Check in online and print your

boarding pass out at home. Then

02.
make sure you make your airline's
check-in deadlines. Arrive at the
airport early, check your luggage
at least an hour before your flight,
and get to the gate in plenty of
time. Latecomers, along with the
travelers with no seat assignments,
are the lowest priority for getting
on the flight.
thank
you!