Gadling

So you find yourself at the airport and you know the flight is overbooked. The first thing you want to do is go talk to the gate agent before he or she even makes the announcement. I’ve struggled to find the right words to do this, but usually I stick with:

“I saw that the flight was overbooked and thought I would volunteer if you need me”

Most of the times this causes them to check their loads and confirm. Sometimes they look at you like you’re crazy.

If an overbooking (or the potential) is imminent, the GA will either keep you in mind or take your boarding pass at that point. And if you’re lucky you’ll get kicked off the flight. Just make sure that you have your seat guaranteed if you don’t get kicked off.

Now, after the gate has cleared and the jet has left you need to begin negotiating with the GA for your vouchers. Technically, I believe that they’re supposed to “barter” you up to the maximum voucher that they can give out (per the airlines’ policy). In the case of Northwest it’s 300$ or a free round trip ticket — I think Continental is 400$. In reality though, I’ve always been given the 300$ voucher immediately.

Double check that you’re being rebooked on the most ideal itinerary. As I mentioned earlier, most GAs will try to put you on the next direct flight. But if you know of a better or more comfortable routing, feel free to suggest it. Also ask if you can be put into first class. Yes, that actually works — considering the favor that you are doing to the airline you shouldn’t feel bad asking for favors.

You also want to double check the validity of your flight vouchers. It’s not the same on all airlines, but free flight vouchers on NWA stipulate that you can only travel in certain class on a certain day. 300$ vouchers are good for any occasion, and since I rarely fly on tickets that are over 300$ anyway, I always take them.

Depending on your situation you’re also probably entitled to free meal tickets. Unless your next flight is leaving immediately, ask for them. If you’re stuck overnight, you should also be getting a hotel voucher as well as free transportation to and from the hotel.

Voucher and free meal tickets in hand, you’re now free to roam about the airport. Check out Neil’s info on making the best on your layover, or if you’re bored, try to sneak into an airline club. More on that later too.

Ultimately, it takes a combination of luck, research and planetary alignment to create the perfect bumping conditions. Of the several dozen flights I’ve taken this year I’ve been bumped three or four times, which when you think about it, adds up. In a way though, I see the task less as work and more as a casual hobby. If you enjoy travel as much as I do, give it a try.