Dont take airline vouchers if Overbooked!

[Playa]

Interesting,I had this happen to me about 20 or so years ago on an international flight.They gave me a choice of $500 cash or a travel voucher, put me up in a hotel and flew me out the next day.They said it was common practice so that the planes were always full.Seems like they pay more out than if they had an empty seat or two.

DJ

20 years ago it was't in place. But generally they try to find "willing" volunteers. Once you volunteer for a voucher the federal rules go out the window.

Thats the thing playa, I tried checking in last night and found that my confirmed seat ticket had no seat! I called in and was told to check back in the AM.

I know I have had this happen before, ususally when I have waited til the last minute to book a flight. My comment was about "trying to find a connection" it should be (and is) as simple as the phone in your pocket.

[coker737]

Come on over the Southwest. We'll fly yer bags FREE. I normally fly Non Rev but these days even that is getting harder. Most of the time it's the Cockpit Jump Seat.. Which is good for the Profit Sharing, don't get me wrong.

[Playa]

Come on over the Southwest. We'll fly yer bags FREE. I normally fly Non Rev but these days even that is getting harder. Most of the time it's the Cockpit Jump Seat.. Which is good for the Profit Sharing, don't get me wrong.

last time i flew Southwest, I got what I paid for..... My bags didn't arrive for a full day after me... Southwest had no idea where they were

[texas bound]

United is horrible. I flew them to Guam for work and it was the worst airline I have been on. Planes were old and outdated, staff was rude, they overbooked every flight I took. Will never fly them again.

[coker737]

last time i flew Southwest, I got what I paid for..... My bags didn't arrive for a full day after me... Southwest had no idea where they were

I knew that was coming.....

[elkbowhunter]

Interesting...thanks. So if Im understanding correctly, if I am bumped off a flight I do not have to take a travel voucher and I have and option to get cash/check? So say my ticket to Montana was $634.00 ...what check/cash amount would I be entitled to if they bump me...and is this all Airlines? dang...wish I would have known this a few years ago. --thanks!

[BrianL]

I have played this "game" several times. In fact, we have a carry on packed for this very reason, and hope to be bumped on our return trip, or asked to give up our seats. Last trip to Hawaii we got $2000.00 in travel vouchers (gave up seats twice), they put us in a hotel, gave us cab fare, and eating money.

[flatlander]

Good info.

I've always had good luck with Southwest.

I've taken them and other airlines up on the offer to give up my seat and take the next flight in return for a guaranteed spot on the next flight, a free round trip voucher and a few bucks.

[Chuy]

Interesting...thanks. So if Im understanding correctly, if I am bumped off a flight I do not have to take a travel voucher and I have and option to get cash/check? So say my ticket to Montana was $634.00 ...what check/cash amount would I be entitled to if they bump me...and is this all Airlines? dang...wish I would have known this a few years ago. --thanks!

Only if the bump was because they overbooked the flight. Its called an involuntarydenied boarding

They take the value of the 1 way flight plus taxes and multiply by 4. If it exceeds $1300, then you get $1300

[elkbowhunter]

Only if the bump was because they overbooked the flight. Its called an involuntarydenied boarding

They take the value of the 1 way flight plus taxes and multiply by 4. If it exceeds $1300, then you get $1300

So when they say the flight is overbooked and offer you like a $200 voucher they are hoping you take it and that you do not know the law...right?

[SwampRabbit]

Sweet deal!

I miss Continental as well. I can always tell which crew is Houston based and which is not. For the longest time, I avoided airbus aircraft when booking flights because I knew that was the old United equipment/crew. Not sure if that makes a difference any more.

[Chuy]

If you have a paid ticket for that flight and they bump you. yes.

[TexasAg2002]

I might just start booking flights hoping to get bumped. LOL. Thanks for letting us know about this.

[helibow]

So when they say the flight is overbooked and offer you like a $200 voucher they are hoping you take it and that you do not know the law...right?

I dont believe this applies when you are sitting at the gate, boarding pass in hand, and they ask for volunteers or state the plane is overbooked and offer a voucher. I believe this only applies when you have paid the flight in full and they tell you specifically that you dont have a seat... then they offer you the voucher, then you refuse and tell them you want a check.

[elkbowhunter]

I dont believe this applies when you are sitting at the gate, boarding pass in hand, and they ask for volunteers or state the plane is overbooked and offer a voucher. I believe this only applies when you have paid the flight in full and they tell you specifically that you dont have a seat... then they offer you the voucher, then you refuse and tell them you want a check.

Gotcha! thanks!