Getting bumped off flights is an interesting way to obtain free flights. This page explains what you need to know.Getting bumped off flights is much more common in the States than it is in Europe where I live. I have been in airport lounges when volunteers have been called for to miss the flight and catch a later one. Generally a sum of money is offered as well as a later flight. If no passengers volunteer for getting bumped then the airline will decide. Like it or loathe getting bumped off flights is here to stay. Why does this happen Airlines don't like having empty seats; they often overbook, as there are always a lot of no shows. Is it legal? Yes it is, although there are strict rules about how the airlines operate and the compensation that they pay. It is essential that you know these rules so that you do not accept less than what you are entitled. Getting bumped of U.S. flights The general rules for getting bumped off flights originating in the U.S.A. are as follows: 1. They must get you a seat on the next available flight. 2. Your original ticket is still valid and can be used on another occasion. 3. Cash compensation is paid depending on how long after your original arrival time your new flight will arrive. 4. If the flight is due to arrive within an hour of your original arrival time then you are not entitled to any compensation. 5. If the flight is due to arrive within two hours of your original arrival time (four hours for International flights) you are entitled to the cost of a one way fare or $200, whichever is less. 6. If your flight arrival time is longer than two hours you are entitled to twice the cost of a one way fare to wherever you are going or $400, whichever is the lowest.
For full details of the Department of Transportation's rules on getting bumped off flights go to the following website.
Department Of Transporation Information On Getting Bumped Off flights
Getting Bumped Off European Union FlightsPassengers travelling in the European union also have rights against getting bumped off flights these can be found at European Union Rights They are also going about changing their rules to cover charter flights as follows: The European Union have extended a compensation deal for airline passengers "bumped off" flights to charter operations, and mandated free meals and telephone calls for delays.
A package agreed in July laid down specific compensation levels for passengers denied access to their flight because of overbooking by the airline.
But the deal had angered passengers' rights groups by not covering charter flights, which are popularly used in Europe by tour operators, especially in the high season.
At committee talks in the early hours of Wednesday, EU member states agreed with representatives of the European Parliament to include charter flights and also to lay down compensation if flights are delayed.
At the very least, airlines must offer passengers free phone calls and meals if their flights are running late. If the delay stretches into the next day, free hotel accommodation must be offered.
If a passenger's travel plans have been ruined by a flight being delayed for more than five hours, the airline must offer a refund within a week.
The new EU measures will oblige airlines to call for passengers who are willing to give up their seats in case the flight is overbooked, a common practice in the aviation industry to make up for no-shows.
Only if insufficient volunteers come forward will the airline be allowed to bump off passengers.
The late-night deal left untouched the compensation levels agreed in July for passengers denied boarding to their plane.
The compensation, which is double the levels in place since 1991, will range from:
-- 250 euros (290 dollars) for flights of less than 1,500 kilometresmiles).
-- 400 euros for flights within the EU of more than 1,500 kilometresmiles), and for other flights between 1,500 kilometres (940 miles) and 3,500 kilometres (2,190 miles).
-- 600 euros for all other flights.
The new law will apply to passengers departing from an EU airport and also to those flying into the EU on a European carrier.
Roughly a quarter of a million EU air passengers are refused access to their flight each year because of overbooking, according to the European Commission.
"This is a big step ahead in our effort to put the citizens at the heart of EU policies," Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio said in a statement.
"Too many times, air passengers are victims of practices which deserve that they receive a fair treatment and proper compensation: today's agreement paves the way for completing and strengthening the existing rights," she said.
The revised compensation package must now go back to the European Parliament and member states for final agreement, expected by the end of the year.
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