A Short List On How To Avoid Getting Bumped From A Flight
The video of the man getting dragged out of the overbooked United airline flight is haunting and disturbing. No one wants to experience getting treated this way. Here are the best tips to avoid getting bumped from a flight:
1. Check in early as possible
Many airlines bump the ones who checked in last. To avoid this check in online the day before or at least two hours before boarding.
2. Assign a seat online when you check in
It is harder to bump a person that already got an assigned seat. If you don't have the possibility to assign a seat when checking in, know that this will give you higher chances of getting bumped.
3. Have luggage checked in
Understandingly, it is more work for the airline if they need to look for your luggage if they decide to bump you and you have already checked in the luggage.
4. Board early
Be at the gate when they tell you to and board when your group is called. The last person to board is typically the one to get bumped.
5. Don't take the last flight of the day
If the airlines have already bumped people earlier during the day they will most likely take a later flight, which means that this one can get overbooked too. And it is not cool to wait until the next morning to arrive at your destination.
6. Be a member of their frequent flying program
Airlines prior loyalty. They don't want to piss off their loyal customer and potentially losing them.
7. Avoid airlines that are known for overbooking
Unfortunately, it is common among airlines all over the world to profit from overbooking. The ones on top in the United States are United, Delta, Southwest, Skywest and ExpressJet. Where JetBlue are the best airline where they have a policy not to overbook. Even though many airlines do it. I recommend watching out for those who got the most complaints and lowest compensations.
See the full list here.
8. If you can - fly business or first class
Airlines barely bump business class or first class passengers. The more you pay for your ticket, the less likely to get bumped.
9. Avoid connected flights
It is more likely to get bumped if you take more flights on your journey. This one is scary. If you get bumped and you won't make it to your next flight. Here it is important to ask the airline and know your rights and get a travel insurance that covers this kind of issues.
10. Avoid peak times
I would avoid flying the day before Christmas or any other busy seasons. Everyone wants to get home at the same time and therefore it is more likely for flights to get overbooked.
11. Know your rights
In the US, the airlines are required to give you a written statement and the reason who gets bumped or not. You should also receive some compensation, either if it is a voucher, free flight or hard cash. If they force you out when already boarded and you don't want to leave, know that you can sue the airline. Read more here.
And in the EU you can claim compensation for your overbooked flight
Have you been bumped off a flight before? Tell me about it in the comments below.
