Dec. 12, 2006 - A Bump in your Travel Plans

Why do airlines overbook their flights?

There are three reasons for overbookings.  1. A smaller aircraft had to be put in than anticpated. 2. Weight restrictions from the FAA due to weather, heat, or other conditions and 3.  because of historical data the airline thinks a certain % of passengers are not going to show up.

Booking over capacity allows an airline to offer more flight options, with more affordablity to more customers.  An airline uses very sophisticated forecasting to estimate no shows.  Some figures I saw from one airline stated that they are usually off only by about 140 passengers a day out of more than 110,000 passengers.  Of those 140 85% took the offered incentives and went later, sometimes in first class.

If you are a volunteer, WHATS in it for YOU? Being a volunteer will get you to your destination sometimes only a couple of hours later and you will probably get a voucher for enough to pay for another trip.  If it is the last flight of the night you would also get food vouchers and hotel accommodations.  So really it can be a good deal to be a volunteer and if your plans are flexiable, let the gate agent know ahead of time that you can volunteer.  It will be much appreciated and take some of the pressure off of them.

What if you HAVE to be there?  Get seat assingments and check in as early as possible.  Many airlines now allow you to go on their website and check in 24 hours in advance.  It does make a difference especially if you are waiting for a seat assignment.

Happy Flying.