Have you ever found yourself at the airport only to be told that your flight is overbooked? It’s a scenario many travellers face, and it can be pretty frustrating. 

In fact, according to travel experts, 150 tickets are sold for every 100 seats available, meaning you’re usually already competing with other people to keep your seat before you’ve even stepped foot on the plane. 

But what does this mean for you as a passenger, and what are you entitled to if your booking is affected?

What are overbooked flights?

An overbooked flight happens when an airline sells more tickets than seats on the plane. This might sound like a recipe for chaos, but it’s actually a common strategy used by airlines to fill as many seats as possible and make the flight worth it in terms of fuel costs and staff resources. 

They rely on data predictions to estimate how many passengers might not show up for their flight, which helps them maximise revenue and keep ticket prices low. For example, easyJet estimates that 5% of passengers won’t reach the airport or simply won’t turn up for a flight every year. This might seem like a low number, but imagine how many flights leave with empty seats annually.

How do flights get overbooked?

There are several reasons why airlines might choose to overbook their flights, but some of the most common are:

• Maximising revenue — One of the main reasons for overbooking is to maximise revenue. Airlines operate on tight profit margins, especially for short-haul flights. By selling more tickets than there are seats, they aim to reduce the risk of flying with empty chairs, which can help keep fares lower and flights more profitable.
  
  
• No-show passengers — Historically, not all passengers who book a flight will actually show up. Airlines use data from past flights to estimate how many passengers might accidentally hit snooze on their alarm or get stuck in traffic and miss their flight. This helps them to overbook safely, ensuring they still have a full flight even if a few passengers don’t make it.
  
  
• Late cancellations — Sometimes, passengers cancel their bookings at the last minute, which can leave empty seats if the airline hasn’t already sold more places than there are seats.
  
  
• Connecting flights — For passengers with connecting flights, there’s a chance they might miss their initial leg of travel due to delays or cancellations. Airlines aim to anticipate this and overbook slightly to account for those who may miss their connections.

What happens if a flight is overbooked?

Usually, airlines selling too many tickets isn’t an issue, and the plane still has plenty of seats to accommodate everyone. However, this strategy doesn’t always work out, and you might sometimes find yourself booked for a flight with too many passengers.

If you’re on a flight that ends up being overbooked, there’s two options that airlines can take:

1. The airline looks for volunteers

To manage the situation, most airlines will often first look for volunteers who are willing to take a later flight. 

If people choose to leave, they’ll usually be offered compensation, which can include anything from flight vouchers to meal allowances or even accommodation if there’s a big delay until the next flight. This means airlines can avoid having to bump passengers involuntarily.

2. Involuntary bumping

If there aren’t enough volunteers, the airline may have to start bumping people. This means passengers are picked and rebooked on a later flight. If this happens, the airline is required by law to provide compensation, which can vary depending on the length of the delay and the airline's policies.

What does it mean to be 'bumped'?

Getting bumped from your flight isn’t exactly the news you want to hear when you’re keen to start your holiday. But what exactly does getting ‘bumped’ mean?

When you’re bumped, it means that, due to an overbooking situation, you won’t be able to board your originally scheduled flight. Instead, you’ll be automatically rebooked on a later flight. This can sometimes result in a big delay, which can really throw a spanner into your tight travel schedule, especially if you have connecting flights or important appointments you need to make.

Who gets booked from an overbooked flight?

When a flight is overbooked, the decision on who gets bumped isn’t random. Airlines use a few different criteria to determine which passengers will stay and who will go:

• Priority based on check-in times — Airlines often use check-in times as a factor in deciding who gets bumped. Passengers who check in early generally have a better chance of keeping their seat. If you’re one of the last to check in, you might be more at risk of being bumped — so make sure you’re arriving at the airport in plenty of time!
  
  
• Fare class and ticket type — The class of your ticket can also influence bumping decisions. Higher fare classes like business or first class typically have priority over passengers in economy. If you’ve splurged on a premium ticket, you’re less likely to be bumped compared to those with cheaper tickets.
  
  
• Frequent flyer status — Loyalty can really pay off! Frequent flyers with elite status are usually given priority. If you’re a seasoned traveller, you’re less likely to be bumped, as airlines want to keep their loyal customers happy.
  
  
• Family and group bookings — Airlines will usually do their best to avoid separating families or groups. If you’re travelling with others, the airline might prioritise keeping your group together.
  
  
• Booking channels — Booking directly with the airline may also give you a slight edge over those who book through third-party sites. Direct bookings often come with better seat allocations and fewer bumping issues.

What happens if you're bumped from an overbooked flight?

When you’re bumped from an overbooked flight, it can be difficult to understand why you were picked and why it didn’t happen to someone else. 

If you are chosen to be bumped, here’s what will usually happen:

• Rebooking process — The airline will arrange for you to take a later flight to your destination. Depending on availability, you might be rebooked on the next available flight or one that’s even days later (if all flights up until that point are fully booked). They’ll provide you with a new ticket or itinerary that includes details about your updated travel plans if you can’t be put on a new flight right away.
  
  
• Compensation and perks — Although being bumped from your flight is annoying, the good news is that airlines usually offer compensation to passengers who have been bumped, especially if it’s involuntary. This might include vouchers for food at the airport, accommodation if the delay is overnight, and possibly a travel voucher or discount on future flights. The specifics can vary depending on the airline and the length of the delay, so it’s important to ask what’s on offer.
  
  
• Communication — The airline staff will guide you through the process, explaining your options and what compensation you’re entitled to. They’ll provide you with information on how to proceed and make sure you understand your new travel arrangements.
  
  
• Alternative arrangements — In some cases, the airline may offer to book you on a flight with a different airline if it gets you to your destination sooner. This can be a great option if you’re looking to minimise your delay and not spend a night sleeping in the airport!

Remember, while being bumped can be frustrating, especially if it impacts your travel plans, the airline is obligated to give you clear instructions and compensation for the inconvenience.  It’s always a good idea to stay calm and be patient — the airline staff are there to help!

Can you refuse to be bumped?

Being bumped from your flight is never fun, and you might be thinking, “Can I just refuse to leave?” The answer is yes, you can refuse to leave, but it’s worth knowing how this might play out.

You do have the option to refuse to leave the flight if you’re being involuntarily bumped. However, this can impact your chance to receive compensation. Airlines usually only offer compensation to passengers who are bumped, but this is only if you’re willing to comply. 

Refusing to leave can also lead to more complications. It might delay your travel plans even further, as the airline has to sort out the situation. Plus, you might find yourself under extra scrutiny from the airline staff, which could create additional headaches or even lead to some unexpected consequences if things get tricky. If you refuse to leave and cause a scene, Aviation Security may be forced to step in. This could mean lifetime bans from the airline, the airport and a criminal record!

Is overbooking a flight legal?

Yes, overbooking a flight is legal and, in fact, quite a common practice in the airline industry. British Airways, for example, oversells about 500,000 seats per year, forcing 24,000 passengers to rebook. easyJet, on the other hand, claims to use an algorithm to make decisions based on historical data patterns. In most cases, this means they don’t need to deny boarding to any passengers.

Do you get compensation if your flight is overbooked?

As mentioned previously, if you’re involuntarily bumped from your flight because it’s overbooked, you’ll usually be entitled to some form of compensation. This can come in various forms, such as travel vouchers, meal allowances, or even cash, depending on the situation and the airline’s policies. The idea is to make up for the inconvenience of having to wait for a later flight.

However, it’s also important to remember that different regions have different rules around compensation. For example, in the European Union, there are specific regulations that outline how much you should be compensated based on your delay length. Depending on the distance of the flight, you could be entitled to anything between €250 and €600 per passenger.

Do you have to apply for compensation?

Good news! In most cases, compensation should be offered automatically, and the airline staff should let you know what compensation you’re eligible for and how to get it. 

However, it’s always a good idea to keep track of any documents related to your bumping, such as boarding passes, receipts for any extra expenses, and any communication with the airline.

Get set with Trtl Travel

Navigating an overbooked flight doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right knowledge, you can handle the situation smoothly and make sure your rights are protected. 

Remember, while overbooking is common, it's aimed at keeping flights full and prices competitive, but there’s regulations in place to make sure you’re not left out in the cold. 

And our Trtl Travel pillow can also make a big difference when it comes to your comfort levels on a flight. For more about everything there is to know about travel, from the 10 things you need to do before a holiday to tips for staying safe when you’re abroad, take a look at the Trtl Blog.