What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked

The only thing worse than fighting for overhead bin space on a fully packed flight? Finding out you’ve been denied boarding altogether. Unfortunately, this frustrating experience is more common than you might think. Sometimes, airlines sell more seats than they can actually offer—leaving unlucky passengers without a spot on the plane, in a situation often referred to as “bumping.”

While the practice may seem questionable, it’s actually a routine part of airline operations, especially during peak travel seasons. The good news? You’re not entirely powerless in these scenarios. Here’s what to know—and what to do—if it happens to you, plus how to reduce your chances of getting bumped in the first place.

Are airlines allowed to overbook flights?

While it may sound surprising, it’s completely legal for airlines to overbook flights, and, according to Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, they do so “all the time.” He continues, telling Travel + Leisure, “Airlines are legally allowed to sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane because they know some people won’t show up.” Think of it as a numbers game based on historical data. “Most of the time, it works out, but every now and then, too many people show up, and someone has to get bumped.”

Who is most likely to get bumped?

If no one volunteers to give up their seat, airlines follow specific criteria to decide who gets bumped. “It’s not random,” says Neugarten, who tells T+L that those who checked in last, booked basic economy fares, or don’t have assigned seats are usually first in line. Solo travelers are also more likely to be selected since they’re easier to rebook.

On the flip side, he says, “If you have elite status, paid a higher fare, or checked in early, your chances of being bumped are much lower.”

What should I do if I get bumped?

If you do get bumped, don’t fret. Instead, remain calm and stay at the gate. Neugarten recommends asking the gate agent for a written explanation of your rights, as they’re required to provide one. Then, check the airline’s app for alternative flights. “In many cases,” he says, “you can rebook yourself faster than waiting in line.”

You’ll also want to ask the gate agent about compensation and what they can offer to help get you to your destination—whether that’s a seat on the next available flight, a meal voucher, or even a hotel stay if you’re delayed overnight.

Ultimately, Neugarten encourages anyone who gets bumped to speak up and ask questions. “You have more power than you think,” he tells T+L. And remember: just because you’re bumped doesn’t mean you have to stick with the same airline. “Always ask if they can put you on another airline,” he adds. “Many gate agents can do it, but they won’t unless you ask.”

Another important thing to keep in mind, per Neugarten: “If the new flight arrives more than an hour later than your original one, you may be owed money.” Here’s the gist: If the airline gets you to your destination within an hour of your original arrival time, you won’t receive any form of compensation. However, under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, if you’re delayed by one to two hours on a domestic flight (or one to four hours on an international flight), you’re entitled to 200 percent of your one-way fare, up to $1,075. Delays longer than two hours domestically (or more than four hours internationally) can earn you 400 percent of your one-way fare, up to $2,150.

It is important to note that this compensation only applies to passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding—in other words, bumped. “If you’re asked to volunteer your seat, that’s a different story,” says Neugarten. In those cases, you can (and should!) negotiate. “Ask for cash instead of a voucher, and don’t be afraid to request meal or hotel accommodations if needed,” he advises.

But why push for cash? It’s simple: Vouchers can expire, come with blackout dates, or be loaded with restrictions that make them harder to use. And finally, Neugarten emphasizes: “Always get the deal in writing.”

Will travel insurance help?

This is where things get a bit complicated. “Most travel insurance won’t cover overbooking directly,” says Neugarten. “But if getting bumped causes a domino effect—like missing a prepaid hotel night or a connecting flight—you might be able to file a claim under trip delay or trip interruption coverage.”

For frequent travelers, he recommends looking into providers like SafetyWing, which “offer monthly coverage and can help with some of the headaches that come from delays or rebooking.” As with anything travel-related, read the fine print carefully so you know exactly what’s included.

Tips to Avoid Getting Bumped

1. Check in early.

One of the simplest ways to protect your seat is to check in as early as possible. “The earlier you check in, the less likely you are to lose your seat,” says Neugarten. This is especially important if you’re flying basic economy, traveling solo, or don’t have an assigned seat—all of which, as previously mentioned, can make you more vulnerable to getting bumped.

2. Select your seat in advance.

As stated above, having a confirmed seat helps keep you off the dreaded bump list. Selecting your seat ahead of time signals to the airline that your spot is claimed, potentially helping to keep you off the bump list. That said, there are no guarantees, and you could still get bumped.

3. Fly during off-peak hours.

Neugarten explains that “busy travel days like Sundays and holidays are more likely to be overbooked.” So, if your schedule allows, opt for less popular travel times, like midweek flights or early-morning departures. Not only are these flights typically less crowded, but you’re also less likely to face overbooking-related disruptions.

4. Stick with one airline.

It pays to be loyal, especially when it comes to avoiding getting bumped. “Frequent fliers and elite members are less likely to be bumped,” says Neugarten. Even entry-level loyalty status can sometimes offer an edge when seats are limited.

5. Book a higher fare class.

“Even within economy,” says Neugarten, “basic fares are at the bottom of the priority list,” which means passengers in this fare class are among the first to be involuntarily denied boarding when a flight is oversold. If you’re especially concerned about getting to your destination on time, it’s often worth paying a bit more for a standard economy ticket. You’ll get more flexibility—and a higher chance of keeping your seat.