What should I expect from European airline if I volunteer to stay and not fly on the overbooked flight?
Recently, I had a first flight in my life that was overbooked.
What should I expect from European airline if I volunteer to stay and not fly on the overbooked flight?
In my situation it was LOT with partner Nordica. As far as I understand Nordica operated the initial overbooked flight.
Best Answer
If you volunteer, you are accepting whatever the airline offers. Meaning, they could just ask pretty please and if you volunteer, you just get the personal satisfaction of helping out the Gate Agent.
However, airlines tend to open these days with a few hundred Dollars/Pounds/Euros in travel vouchers to entice enough people to volunteer to prevent bumping. If you volunteer for a next day flight, you should also get accommodations if not at your domicile.
From experience, I'd expect 200-300 as a start.
Also, there are many strategies to maximizing the payout. It's a balance between holding out for the maximum compensation and getting on the list before they don't need more volunteers. Knowing when the next flight is really helps. There have been many times when I've volunteered quickly because I know the next flight is maybe 2hrs later.
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What happens if a flight is oversold and no one volunteers?
While it is legal for airlines to involuntarily bump passengers from an oversold flight when there are not enough volunteers, it is the airline's responsibility to determine its own fair boarding priorities.How much do airlines have to compensate for overbooking?
Overbooked flight compensation according to US regulationsDelay at arrival0-1 hour2-4 hoursUS domestic flightNo compensation400% of one-way fare (cannot exceed $1,350)International flightNo compensation200% of one-way fare (cannot exceed $675)Why do airlines ask for volunteers to change flights?
Other times, weight and balance issues might necessitate people being left off a flight. Before things turn ugly (and expensive) for the airline, they ask for volunteers willing to take a later flight in exchange for compensation.Who gets bumped on overbooked flight?
Check In for Your Flight Online in Advance Don't wait until you get to the airport to check in. Typically, those who are bumped are the ones who check in last, even if they had seat assignments tied to their reservation. Set up a reminder on your phone to check in 24 hours in advance.Vouchers for Oversold Flights | Giving up Your Airline Seat for $$$$ | Overbooked BEST KEPT secret
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Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio