What is overbooking and how to avoid it?

Overbooking — is when an airline sells more tickets than there are seats on the plane. It usually affects those who arrive at the airport towards the end of check-in. In this article, we'll look at why overbooking happens, how to avoid it, and what compensation you'll receive if you do encounter it. 

Reasons for overbooking

Overbooking occurs mainly for several reasons. Here are the main ones.

– Technical. This happens when an airline changes an aircraft due to malfunctions. For example, you were supposed to fly on an Airbus A321-200 with 169 seats, but it had to be replaced with an Airbus A320-200, which only has 156 seats. This means there are 13 seats short. And if all seats on the plane are sold out, then people will face overbooking. 

– Economic. The airline knows that not all passengers will fly: some will be late, some will change their minds at the last minute, and so on. Also, those who change their minds at the last minute and have refundable tickets will receive compensation from the airline. And the seats that become available on the plane need to be “filled”. That's why airlines sell more tickets than there actually are. 

– Connections. If a passenger flies with one airline with connections and one of the flights is delayed, they will be rebooked on the next suitable flight. As a result, if everything is sold out, there won't be enough seats.  

– Conditions for premium customers. Sometimes, an airline urgently needs to send a VIP client. Yes, unfortunately, this happens. It's frustrating, but there's nothing to be done about it. 

How to avoid overbooking

It's not 100% possible to protect yourself from overbooking, but you can try. Those most at risk are those who buy inexpensive tickets right before departure and don't check in for the flight in advance.

If you have the opportunity to check in for your flight online, do it. This will secure your seat on the plane. However, the aircraft might be changed for technical reasons, and then you could still be affected by overbooking. But this doesn't happen very often. 

What to do if you encounter overbooking

Overbooking usually proceeds according to two scenarios: 

1. If you have first or business class tickets, but there are still seats left in economy — you will be offered to fly there. But don't worry, in this case, you are entitled to compensation. 
2. You will be denied boarding. According to the rules, airline staff should ask other passengers if anyone wants to give up their seat in exchange for airline bonuses. If no volunteers are found, then, unfortunately, you will not fly on that flight. In this scenario, you have several options:

• you can choose not to fly and get a full refund for the entire ticket or the unused portion, even if the fare was non-refundable;
• fly on the next available flight with another airline to the same destination or one nearby;
• fly on a different date with the same or another airline. 

By the way, in our blog, we also talk about what to do if your flight is canceled or what to do if your flight is delayed. These materials will fully prepare you for any force majeure related to flights. 

Simple tips to help you get compensation

• Try to keep all proof that you arrived at the airport on time. Do not throw away tickets, receipts, boarding passes, and other documents you receive. 
• Draw up a claim in duplicate, stating all your complaints to the carrier. Hand it to the airline representative at the airport and make sure they put the date and signature on your copy. 
• During negotiations with the airline, record everything on audio. If you correspond by email, be sure to save it. 
• If other passengers were affected by overbooking along with you, save their contacts. They may be useful when going to court. 

What compensation is due

If your class of service was changed (e.g., from business to economy), you are entitled to compensation depending on the flight distance:
1. 30% of the ticket price — 1,500 kilometers or less;

2. 50% of the ticket price — from 1,501 to 3,500 kilometers. Exception — EU countries and French overseas territories.

3. 75% of the ticket price — distance over 3,500 kilometers.

If you decide to take another flight, the airline is obliged to offer you free of charge: 

• snacks and full hot meals depending on how long you wait for the next flight;
• a hotel room;
• transfer to the hotel;
• calls, fax, mail, and telex.

If you are flying from Turkey or EU countries, you are entitled to compensation from the carrier for the delay. It also depends on the flight distance:

1. 250 euros — 1,500 kilometers or less;

2. 400 euros — from 1,501 to 3,500 kilometers;

3. 600 euros — more than 3,500 kilometers. 

If you are going to demand payment, you should mentally prepare for it. Airlines usually don't like to pay any compensation, so you need to record the entire situation on camera and collect evidence of overbooking. After that, you can contact the airline representative and, if they are uncooperative, send an official claim to the company.

Kupi.com life hack: even if you are offered monetary compensation, do not agree to the very first offer. Bargaining can play a decisive role here.

In general, overbooking is an inconvenience that can happen to anyone. Aviation is a complex thing in general. In such cases, it's good to have a reliable service that can help you resolve any problems. 

Buy tickets on Kupi.com, and we will try to help you even in the most difficult situations.