Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights and How to Avoid Getting Bumped

In the travel industry, overbooking is standard practice, but why do airlines overbook flights? The answer lies in the economics of the airline industry. Airlines are in the business of selling seats, and they make the most money when every seat is filled on every flight. Empty seats equate to lost revenue, and in an industry with relatively thin profit margins, every seat counts.

To mitigate the risk of empty seats due to no-shows or last-minute cancellations, airlines overbook flights. This practice is not arbitrary; it's a calculated decision based on the average no-show rate. Airlines analyze past flight data to predict the likelihood of passengers not showing up for their flights. If the data suggests that, on average, 5% of passengers don't show up, the airline may overbook the flight by that percentage to compensate for the anticipated no-shows.

The calculation of the no-show rate is a complex process that involves analyzing historical data and considering various factors such as the time of the year, the route, and even the day of the week. For instance, business routes tend to have higher no-show rates as business travelers often change their plans at the last minute.

While overbooking can lead to situations where passengers are denied boarding, it's important to remember that this is relatively rare. Most of the time, the number of no-shows matches or exceeds the number of overbooked seats, and all passengers are able to board the flight as planned.

However, it's also important to know your rights as a passenger. If you are involuntarily bumped from your flight due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation under U.S. federal regulations. The specifics of the compensation depend on the length of the delay caused by the bumping.

For more insights on this topic, check out our Summer 2022 Travel Retrospective. In this article, we delve deeper into the trends and challenges of air travel, including overbooking.

Tips to Help Prevent Getting Bumped from a Flight

While getting bumped is largely out of your control, there are simple procedural changes that can help reduce the chances. As a corporate travel manager, understanding how many seats are left on a flight and the policies around overbooking airlines can be beneficial.

1. Choose Your Fares Wisely: Your choice of seat/fare price can significantly impact your odds of getting bumped from a flight. Airlines often prioritize passengers based on the fare they've paid. First-class and business-class tickets are less likely to get overbooked or bumped because these high-paying passengers are valuable to the airline. On the other hand, economy and coach fares are more likely to face overbooking. If you can afford it, consider booking a higher-fare class to reduce your chances of getting bumped. 

2. Check-In in Advance: Checking in well ahead of time can also help reduce your chances of getting bumped from a flight. The longer you wait to check in, the more likely that the airline will assume you will be a no-show and leave a vacant seat. Many airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before the flight's departure. The sooner you check-in, the lower your chances of being bumped. 

3. Budget in Extra Time: At times, getting bumped from a flight may be unavoidable due to factors beyond your control, such as severe weather conditions or operational issues. That’s why budgeting in extra travel time can help you recover quicker and offer some scheduling flexibility in the case you get bumped from a flight. Having a buffer allows you to accommodate potential delays without disrupting your plans significantly. 

Simplify Your Corporate Travel with TMC

Wrapping up, it's clear that airlines overbook flights as a strategy to maximize their profits. While this can occasionally lead to passengers being bumped, there are strategies you can use to reduce this risk. As someone managing corporate travel, you play a vital role in navigating these challenges and ensuring seamless travel experiences for your team.

Our comprehensive suite of services is tailored to your organization's specific needs, all accessible from one connected platform. From booking flights and hotels to providing travel advisories and managing travel expenses, we've got you covered.

We're always ready to help, especially when it comes to mitigating the impact of overbooked flights. If a flight is overbooked, we step in to arrange alternative flights, ensuring minimal disruption to your travel plans. We also assist in negotiating compensation and provide support in the event of flight cancellations or delays.

At AmTrav, we're not just about making travel arrangements. We're about driving your productivity. We provide valuable insights and analytics on your travel spending, helping you identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements. We ensure compliance with your corporate travel policy and provide support for duty of care obligations.