Got bumped? Here's how to get paid
By Chris McGinnis
CNN Headline News
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More passengers are being bumped involuntarily from flights.
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(CNN) -- Anyone who has traveled lately knows that planes are jam-packed. And more passengers than ever are getting bumped. Do you know what to do if this happens to you?
According to the October Department of Transportation Consumer Report, airlines involuntarily bumped 23,480 passengers from January through June of this year. That's up from 16,641 involuntary bumps during the same period in 2002.
But airlines are quick to point out that the chances of being involuntarily forced from a flight are small overall -- roughly one person is bumped for every 10,000 passengers boarded.
But the key word in the airlines' statement is "involuntarily." Thousands more were "voluntarily" bumped -- and there's a big difference between the two.
I want compensation!
Let's look at involuntary bumping first. According to U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if you show up for your flight on time, and the airline can't accommodate you, you are entitled to compensation -- depending on how inconvenienced you are. If the airline can get you on another flight, and get you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time, you get nothing. If the replacement flight gets you to your destination between one and two hours late, you are entitled to a cash payment of up to $200. If you get there more than two hours late, you are entitled to a cash payment of up to $400.
Ask for cash
Don't let the airlines try and buy you off with an offer of a free ticket, or a travel voucher -- they owe you cash if you are involuntarily bumped, and subsequently delayed. Federal law requires this. (And remember, this only applies to involuntary bumping. The airline does not owe you cash if your flight is delayed, or canceled.)
Voluntary bumps
When you volunteer to be bumped, the free market reigns. Some airlines offer travel vouchers of a certain amount -- usually starting at about $250 -- which can be redeemed to buy tickets for future flights. Other airlines offer free roundtrip tickets, good for travel for up to a year. Sometimes, in situations where there are few volunteers and lots of people, the airline is going to have to compensate with cash payments, so they will increase the offer. They'll offer vouchers for higher dollar values, or offer free trips that include Hawaii or Europe, for example.
Bump strategy
It's best to volunteer to be bumped on morning flights because it will be easier for the airline to find a seat for you on a later flight going to your destination. Sometimes it really pays off because you'll only be delayed for an hour or two. The key is to volunteer ahead of time -- if it looks like a flight is going to be overbooked, ask the gate agent when the next available flight is to your destination. If it's only a few hours, and you are flexible, go for it! It's an easy way to pay for your next vacation.
