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Overbooked flights happen — but knowing how to handle the situation can help you stay calm and even turn it to your advantage.
Airlines routinely overbook flights to account for no-shows, but when everyone shows up at the gate and there aren’t enough seats for everyone, someone is getting “bumped.”
If you’re the one stranded, don’t panic. You have options and may even be compensated for the inconvenience.
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Understand What Overbooking Means
Overbooking is a practice by airlines in which they sell more tickets than they have seats.
They do this because they assume some passengers will cancel or miss their flights. This way, they can potentially sell the same seat twice, maximizing profits.
It seems counter-intuitive, but this practice is legal.
If all passengers show up, or if there are fewer cancellations or missed flights than expected, it results in overbooking, and the airline has to address the issue.
Some travelers will be bumped from the flight because there simply isn’t enough room on the plane.
Key terms to know
- Voluntary denied boarding: Passengers who agree to give up their seats in exchange for compensation.
- Involuntary denied boarding: Passengers are forced to give up their seats when no volunteers step forward.
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. . .
Steps To Take If Your Flight Is Overbooked
If your flight is overbooked, you can take advantage of the situation if you understand the process and know your rights.
1. Stay calm and assess the situation
While it can be frustrating to learn that a flight has been overbooked, stay calm. You want to thoughtfully make a decision based on what’s best for you.
Listen to announcements and approach the gate agent to understand your options. Pay careful attention to what’s being offered and calmly ask the gate agent for clarifications if needed.
Find out when the next possible flights are leaving and what steps the airline will take to provide you with meal vouchers or transportation to a hotel, if needed.
Get as much information as you can so you have an idea of how long you might have to wait if you give up your seat.
Avoid emotional reactions, which can make negotiations more difficult. Staying calm and clearheaded improves your decision-making, so you’re more likely to make the most logical choice in the circumstances.
2. Decide whether to volunteer
Once you know the options, you can decide whether to volunteer to give up your seat.
Evaluate the airline’s offer, such as vouchers, meal credits, or flight upgrades. Some airlines will provide you with a dollar amount in a voucher that can be used to purchase flights or upgrades in the future.
Depending on the situation, some vouchers can be quite valuable, especially if you’re a frequent traveler with that airline.
Some questions to ask:
- Will you get meal vouchers or reimbursement for meals purchased?
- If you must stay overnight, will the airline arrange transportation and a free night in a hotel?
- Will they pull your bags from the plane so you have access to toiletries?
- Will they give you a voucher or reimbursement to purchase necessary items?
If the initial offer seems insufficient, negotiate better perks. For example, if they can’t increase the voucher amount, they might be able to give you lounge access on top of a flight voucher. Or ask for seat upgrades.
Decide what you want out of the negotiation and consider alternatives that can make giving up your seat worth it.
Any offer you agree to should be on top of being rebooked to your destination for free. The airline should also refund you for any upgrades or special services you paid for if you’re rebooked to a less desirable seat or have to pay to check your bags again.
Get confirmation of your offer in writing, and carefully check to make sure all of the terms are fulfilled.
3. Know your rights if involuntarily denied boarding
Maybe you need to get to your destination on time, or you don’t feel the airline is offering sufficient compensation.
You can take your chances and see if you get involuntarily bumped from the flight. In this case, you’re entitled to compensation.
Under Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, passengers bumped involuntarily are entitled to compensation based on delay length. For example, if delayed for over two hours, you might receive up to $1,550 in compensation.
In the European Union, the EU261 regulation requires monetary compensation depending on the flight distance and delay duration. The minimum you’re compensated is €250, but you might be entitled to more.
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How To Make the Most of Being Bumped
It’s not pleasant being bumped from a flight, but there are things you can do to make the most of the situation.
Negotiate for better perks as a volunteer
If you decide you can handle the delay, ask for additional perks like lounge access or extra flight credits. Or ask for compensation in cash rather than vouchers.
Just remember you might not be able to get cash compensation as a volunteer. But if you’re involuntarily bumped, they must give you cash or a check if you request it.
Plan your next steps after being bumped
Start by making sure the airline rebooks you on the next available flight. Find out if there’s a partner airline they can book you on if it’s difficult to find available seating.
If you’re staying overnight, ask for hotel and meal vouchers. Find out if the airline can arrange transportation as well.
FAQs About Overbooked Flights
What’s the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?
Voluntary denied boarding is when you agree to be bumped from a flight and take a deal from the airline. Involuntary denied boarding is when the airline bumps you from your seat even though you didn’t volunteer.
Can I negotiate better compensation if I volunteer to give up my seat?
Yes, in some cases, you can get a better deal as a volunteer. You might be able to get a voucher worth more than the required compensation or get other perks like upgrades and lounge access.
Do all airlines handle overbooking the same way?
No. While there are some regulations they are required to follow under federal mandates, airlines often have their own policies.
TL;DR: Handling Overbooked Flights
Overbooked flights don’t have to be a nightmare. Know your rights and act strategically to increase your chances of walking away with better perks.
Stay calm, negotiate smartly, and don’t settle for less than you deserve!

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Miranda Marquit, MBA, has been writing about money since 2006. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including FOX Business, Forbes, CNBC, MSN Money, and Britannica Money. Miranda is also the co-host of two financial podcasts, Money Talks News and It Doesn't Make Cents. She lives in Idaho where she enjoys the outdoors, board games, reading, and travel.
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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.