These are Your Passenger Rights if Denied Boarding/Bumped From a Flight

It has been common practice for United States airlines to overbook flights in the hope of no-show passengers. But all too often, everybody checks in for a flight, and there are more ticketed passengers than available seats on a flight.

Get Compensated

This leads to something called denied boarding, also known as being "bumped," in which some passengers will not be able to fly, even though they hold a valid boarding pass and purchased a ticket.

In events like these, it is extremely important for travelers to know their rights to ensure they are not illegally taken advantage of by airlines.

Here’s a detailed guide on your denied boarding rights when flying within the United States, covering everything you need to know in the event that you're bumped from your next flight.

What is denied boarding?

Denied boarding is the result of airlines selling more tickets than there are seats on a scheduled aircraft flight. Done to maximize airline profits (and account for common no-shows), the practice is deceptive and leads to ticketed passengers being "bumped," or pushed to a future flight.

There are two types of denied boarding:

  • Voluntary denied boarding
  • Involuntary denied boarding

Voluntary vs. involuntary denied boarding

As normal operating procedure, airlines will look for volunteers to give up their seats in the event that a flight is overbooked. Volunteers are given compensation in return, potentially including future flight credits, meal vouchers, a hotel stay, and a modified itinerary on a future flight.

If you’ve got flexible travel plans, “taking the bump,” as it is colloquially known, can be a great way to potentially pay for the airfare on your next flight.

As a child, my dad and I voluntarily gave up our seats on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Providence, and the proceeds were enough to fly my entire family to California during the next school break.

Unfortunately, though, there will not always be volunteers with flexible schedules. In this case, airlines will sometimes increase the compensation offer. If there are still no takers, they’ll proceed to the dreaded involuntary denied boarding.

If you are involuntarily denied boarding, it is important to know that you’re still entitled to compensation, which may vary based on the length of time you’ll need to wait until the next available flight.

Compensation for involuntary denied boarding

Should you be denied boarding without volunteering your seat, you are protected by the United States Department of Transportation's (DOT) regulations. Ultimately, this compensation depends upon the length of the delay you'll encounter.

For example, if flying domestically, you may receive:

  • No Compensation: If the airline arranges alternate transportation that gets you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time.
  • 200% of One-Way Fare (up to $775): If the airline arranges alternate transportation that gets you to your destination between one and two hours (domestic flights) or one and four hours (international flights) after your original arrival time.
  • 400% of One-Way Fare (up to $1,550): If the airline arranges alternate transportation that gets you to your destination more than two hours (domestic flights) or more than four hours (international flights) after your original arrival time, or if no alternate transportation is arranged.

How do airlines determine who to bump?

While it is, unfortunately, legal for airlines to deny ticketed passengers boarding, it is also up to airlines to determine a fair system regarding who to deny boarding to in an oversell event.

Common criteria considered include:

  • The time/order that you checked in
  • The fare you paid for the flight
  • Any frequent flier status

Tips to handle/manage involuntary denied boarding

In addition to knowing your rights as a passenger, here are some additional tips to help you manage an involuntary denied boarding experience.

  • Stay calm and head to the airline desk: Remaining calm will help you manage the situation more effectively.
  • Ensure you're compensated: Understand the compensation you are entitled to and ask for it if it’s not offered.
  • Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to negotiate for additional perks, such as meal vouchers or hotel accommodations.
  • Travel insurance: Check your travel insurance policy, as it may include coverage for involuntary denied boarding.
  • Have airline status: Joining an airline's frequent flyer program may reduce your risk of being bumped.

Airline customer service contacts

In the event that you're bumped and not receiving helpful customer service at the airport, it may be a good idea to reach out to your airline's corporate customer service.

Conclusion

Being denied boarding and bumped to a later flight is awful. However, knowing your passenger rights can help you earn and maximize the compensation that you're eligible for.

Keep your airline's customer service information and policies with you when you fly, and don't be afraid to speak up if they try to do something against their policies.