Doing the bump

Most air travelers know that airlines sometimes overbook flights and offer passengers money and tickets to voluntarily catch a later flight. But when carriers must deny passenger boardings involuntarily, federal rules and penalties apply.

How often are passengers bumped from overbooked flights?

Last year, an estimated 622,000 passengers voluntarily gave up their seats on overbooked flights, while nearly 64,000 were involuntarily bumped.

How much do airlines have to pay bumped passengers?

Under new rules, passengers who are involuntarily bumped will receive up to $400 if they reach their destination within two hours of their original arrival time (four hours for international destinations). If the delay is longer the maximum compensation increases to $800.

How is it calculated?

By doubling a traveler’s one-way fare, up to the maximum amounts. For example, a passenger with a $300 ticket who is bumped from a domestic flight and delayed for more than two hours would receive $600.

The payment is in addition to the value of the passenger’s ticket, which the flier can use for alternate transportation or have refunded if not used.

Is compensation required for canceled flights?

No.