How much money do you get if your flight is overbooked?

Compensation for Overbooked Flights: How Much Can You Get?

It’s a traveler’s worst nightmare: arriving at the airport only to be told that your flight is overbooked and you’ve been bumped. While airlines are required to compensate passengers involuntarily denied boarding, the amount you receive can vary significantly.

Denied Boarding Compensation (DBC)

When a flight is overbooked and passengers are denied boarding, airlines are obligated to provide compensation under the Denied Boarding Compensation (DBC) policy. The amount of compensation is determined by the length of the delay and the airline’s maximum payout cap.

Compensation Rates

Typically, passengers receive compensation equal to twice the one-way ticket cost if the delay is:

• Less than 2 hours for domestic flights
• Less than 4 hours for international flights

Maximum Payout Caps

However, each airline has a maximum payout cap for DBC. The cap amounts can vary, but they generally range from $650 to $1,075.

Factors Affecting Compensation

The amount of compensation you receive may also be affected by the following factors:

• Your fare class: Passengers with higher fare classes may receive higher compensation.
• Your status with the airline: Elite members or frequent flyers may qualify for additional compensation or perks.
• Negotiation: You may be able to negotiate a higher compensation amount with the airline.

How to Claim DBC

If you are involuntarily denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, you should immediately contact the airline and request compensation. You will typically need to provide proof of your ticket and boarding pass.

It’s important to note that DBC is only available to passengers who are denied boarding involuntarily. Passengers who voluntarily give up their seats or are removed for other reasons, such as security or safety concerns, may not be eligible for compensation.

Additional Compensation

In addition to DBC, overbooked passengers may also be entitled to additional compensation, such as:

• Reimbursement for expenses incurred due to the delay, such as meals or transportation
• Vouchers for future flights or hotel accommodations
• Other perks or amenities, such as free Wi-Fi or priority boarding

Conclusion

If you are ever involuntarily denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, you are entitled to compensation from the airline. While the amount of compensation may vary depending on the delay and the airline’s policies, it’s important to be aware of your rights and negotiate accordingly.