How much money can you get from an overbooked flight?

Compensation for Overbooked Flights: How Much Can You Get?

Overbooking flights is a common practice among airlines to maximize their profits. However, when this leads to passengers being involuntarily bumped from their flight, they are entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation varies depending on the circumstances of the overbooking and the delay.

Eligible Passengers

Passengers who are involuntarily bumped from a domestic flight and rebooked on a later flight are eligible for compensation if the delay exceeds two hours. This includes passengers who are bumped due to overbooking, mechanical issues, or weather-related cancellations.

Compensation Levels

The amount of compensation that passengers can receive is determined by the following factors:

• Ticket Price: The compensation is based on a percentage of the passenger’s one-way ticket price.
• Delay Length: The longer the delay, the higher the compensation.

The following table outlines the compensation levels for overbooked flights:

Conditions and Exceptions

• The compensation is capped at $1,550, regardless of the delay.
• Passengers who accept alternative flights or other forms of compensation may forfeit their right to the full amount of the compensation.
• Overbooking compensation does not cover expenses such as missed connections, lost wages, or additional travel costs.
• Some exceptions may apply, such as when the overbooking is due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control (e.g., weather).

How to Claim Compensation

Passengers who believe they are eligible for overbooking compensation should contact the airline directly. They should provide proof of their flight itinerary, boarding pass, and any documentation of the delay. The airline will investigate the claim and issue compensation if applicable.

Additional Rights

In addition to compensation, overbooked passengers may also be entitled to the following:

• A meal or meal voucher if the delay exceeds three hours.
• A hotel voucher if the delay exceeds six hours.
• Transportation to and from the hotel if necessary.

By understanding their rights and the compensation available, passengers who are involuntarily bumped from an overbooked flight can ensure that they receive fair treatment from the airline.