Overbooked Flights: What to Do If You're Bumped—and How to Get Paid

You’re standing at the gate, maybe even already holding a boarding pass in your hand, and then you hear the announcement: “We’re looking for volunteers to give up their seat due to overbooking.” You think, No big deal, they’ll get someone. But a few minutes later, they’re calling your name—and suddenly, your seat is gone.

It feels incredibly unfair, and you're not wrong for feeling that way. But here’s the thing: getting bumped from a flight happens more often than most people think, and if it happens to you, you might be entitled to compensation—sometimes in the hundreds of dollars.

Let’s break down why this happens, what your rights are, and what you can do to get what you're owed.

Why Do Airlines Overbook in the First Place?

Airlines intentionally sell more tickets than they have seats. It sounds shady, but they do it because they expect a certain number of people to miss their flight. When that math doesn’t work out, someone gets left behind—and that someone could be you.

Legally, they’re allowed to do this. But they’re also required to play by certain rules when it comes to how they handle overbooking, especially if they deny you boarding.

The Difference Between Voluntary and Involuntary Bumping

If you’ve ever heard the gate agents ask for volunteers in exchange for a travel voucher, that’s what’s called voluntary bumping. You agree to give up your seat, and in return, the airline offers you some sort of compensation—usually a flight credit, maybe a hotel or meal voucher if there’s a long wait.

The upside: You can negotiate.

The downside: Once you agree, you waive your right to additional compensation under federal law.

Now, if nobody volunteers, the airline can start bumping people against their will. That’s called involuntary denied boarding—and that’s when you get real rights under federal law.

How Much Money Can You Get If You're Bumped?

If you’re involuntarily denied boarding, the amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on how long you’re delayed getting to your final destination.

Here’s the general breakdown:

• If you’re rebooked and arrive within an hour of your original arrival time: no compensation.

• If you’re delayed by 1 to 2 hours (domestic), you can get up to 200% of your one-way fare, capped at a few hundred dollars.

• If the delay is more than 2 hours, you’re looking at 400% of your one-way fare, up to over a thousand dollars.

And yes, they’re supposed to offer this payment right there at the airport. Not in vouchers—in cash or electronic transfer.

What to Do If This Happens to You

If you’ve been bumped and it wasn’t voluntary, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay calm but firm. Ask whether you’re being bumped involuntarily. If so, you’re legally owed compensation.

   1. Get everything in writing. Ask for a written statement of your rights—airlines are required to provide this when you’re denied boarding.

   2. Don’t settle for a voucher unless you want to. You’re entitled to cash or electronic payment. Vouchers can expire or come with restrictions.

   3. Save your receipts. If you end up needing a hotel or buying meals because of the delay, keep all your documentation.

   4. Send a demand letter if needed. If the airline refuses to pay or tries to lowball you, a well- crafted demand letter can do the trick. (We can help with that.)

Can You Avoid Getting Bumped?

Sometimes yes. Some tips that help:

• Check in as early as possible—late check-ins are often first to go

  1. Make sure you have a confirmed seat assignment

  2. Fly earlier in the day when there’s more flexibility for rebooking

  3. Avoid peak travel days if you can

What If They Don’t Compensate You?

If you’re getting the runaround, don’t let it slide. You can:

• File a complaint with the DOT

  1. Take the airline to small claims court

  2. Use our service to send a demand letter backed by legal authority

Bottom Line

Getting bumped off your flight is frustrating. It can mess up travel plans, ruin vacations, and add a whole lot of stress. But it’s not the end of the story—and it doesn’t have to be a total loss.

If it happens to you, know your rights. Don’t be afraid to speak up. And if the airline doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, there are ways to hold them accountable.

Want help sending a demand letter or navigating the claims process? That’s exactly what we do at Airclaim Legal Services. We help passengers take action—simply, legally, and effectively.

Know Your Rights. Speak Up. Fly Fair.

Don’t let airlines ignore your rights. If you think you’ve been wronged, we’re here to help.