As you may have already heard, a few weeks ago the U.S. Department of Transportation revised its passenger compensation rules.
Beginning later this month, passengers who are involuntarily bumped could be compensated up to double what they would have gotten before—a $400 maximum for getting moved to a flight that gets them to their final destination within two hours of their originally scheduled flight (four hours for international flights), and up to $800 for a flight that doesn't arrive within that timeframe.
This new rule also extends the regulation to flights with 30 seats or more (previously, it only applied to flights with more than 60 seats) and allows passengers to opt for cash instead of ticket vouchers.
The DOT's monthly Air Travel Consumer Report keeps records of how many passengers are involuntarily bumped on which airlines—see the October-December 2007 Oversales report (Download bumping_report PDF)—as well as how many passengers voluntarily give up their seat, as MSN reports. For example, during the first quarter of 2007, American Airlines had 22,133 voluntary bumps and 2,213 involuntary bumps. JetBlue (pictured above), by contrast, had zero voluntary bumps and only 19 involuntary bumps during that time.
I happen to be one of the seemingly few lucky travelers (knock on wood) who has never been bumped involuntarily, although whenever the opportunity arises for volunteers I am the first one to give up my seat. The last time I volunteered to get bumped I got $250 and food vouchers to wait 90 minutes for the next flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Baltimore-Washington. A few weeks later, my mom volunteered to get bumped on a St. Louis-Seattle flight—for $400, food vouchers, and a first-class ticket on a non-stop flight. If passengers get bumped to a flight the following day, many airlines will also offer them a night in a local hotel, transportation to and from the airport included.
Of course, it's unfortunate when a passenger on a tight schedule gets involuntarily bumped, but, in my opinion, it's also a great way for patient, flexible travelers to get free tickets, free food, and even a free night in a hotel.
Here are a few tips on how to get paid for sitting in an airport:
1. Book your flight during peak travel times. MSN notes that peak travel times for business hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth are usually on Monday mornings and Friday evenings. Likewise, airlines in summer and around holidays are almost always overbooked, leaving plenty of opportunity for getting bumped. Sure, being in an airport with thousands of other people can be hectic, but so long as you bring a good read, your iPod, and a heap of crossword puzzles, it's not that bad.
2. Check the flight status. Many airlines allow passengers to see the seating chart online or when they check in using an electronic ticket. I always check American Airline's seating chart at the Self Check-In, both to switch to a better seat and to see how full the flight is. If the flight is full, this could be an indication that it is also overbooked. If you can't see the seating chart when you check in, just ask the airline attendants.
3. Pay attention. Once at your gate, sit near the ticketing counter or listen to the announcements made by the airline employees. Be ready to jump up when they announce whether or not they will ask for voluntary bumps, and for what price.
4. Ask questions. Before you voluntarily give up your seat, make sure you understand the terms of getting bumped (every airline is different). Are you guaranteed a seat on another flight? Sometimes bumped passengers will be rebooked as standbys. Unless you don't mind not being guaranteed a seat, wait for confirmation that you have a seat on another flight before agreeing. If you are going to be put on a flight that leaves more than two hours later, request food vouchers.
5. Travel with carry ons. This makes it easier for both you and the airline employees. If you get bumped, they don't have pull your checked luggage off the plane. And, should they not reroute your luggage, it won't sit at your final destination for hours.
6. Check out useful websites. Bumptracker analyzes the number of oversold seats on certain flights, and asks readers to submit information when they have been bumped. This allows passengers to see which flights typically ask for volunteers to give up their seats.
7. Be flexible. When possible, be flexible. I usually travel for pleasure, so generally it's not a big deal if I get bumped to a flight a couple hours later. Sometimes, you might even get bumped to a flight that gets you to your destination earlier than scheduled. It's been known to happen: My mom's original flight from St. Louis to Seattle had a layover. The flight she got bumped to was non-stop and got her to Seattle a couple hours earlier than planned.
Photo: Michael Davis
Tip 5 is crucial. I never travel check bags for this reason.
Posted by: Matt | May 13, 2008 at 09:54 AM