Can international flights be overbooked?

Are You Prepared for a “Full Flight”? The Reality of Overbooking on International Flights

The allure of international travel is undeniable, but even the most meticulously planned trip can be disrupted by a common airline practice: overbooking. While it might sound counterintuitive, airlines often sell more tickets than actual seats available on a flight. This means there’s a chance, albeit a slim one, that you could be denied boarding due to overbooking, even if you have a confirmed ticket.

Why do airlines overbook?

Airlines utilize overbooking for a few reasons. First, they acknowledge that a certain percentage of ticketed passengers won’t show up for various reasons, such as missed connections, travel changes, or simply forgetting about their flight. By selling slightly more tickets than seats, airlines maximize their revenue and ensure the plane isn’t flying with empty seats.

What happens if a flight is overbooked?

If a flight is overbooked, the airline will ask for volunteers to give up their seats. These volunteers are typically offered compensation, such as vouchers for future flights, cash, or even upgrades to a higher class of service. However, if not enough volunteers are found, the airline will involuntarily deny boarding to some passengers.

Your rights if denied boarding:

If you are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking, you have certain rights under federal regulations. The airline is required to provide you with:

• Compensation: A minimum payment of 200% of the ticket price for flights within the United States, and a minimum payment of 400% for international flights, up to $1350.
• Re-routing: The airline must re-book you on the next available flight to your destination, or provide an alternative means of transportation.
• Hotel accommodation: If your re-booking is delayed for a significant period, the airline must provide you with a hotel room.

How to minimize your risk:

While overbooking is a standard practice, there are steps you can take to mitigate the risk of being denied boarding:

• Book early: Booking your flight well in advance gives you a better chance of securing a seat.
• Check-in online: Airlines often prioritize check-in time when selecting passengers for involuntary denied boarding.
• Arrive early: Being at the gate early increases your chances of being on the flight, especially if the airline is looking for volunteers.

The bottom line:

Overbooking is a reality of air travel. While it’s not guaranteed to happen, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize them. By being prepared and understanding your rights, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure your international travel experience is as smooth as possible.