More People Than Seats

Have you had the pleasure of being bumped from your flight lately? If you have, you know how frustrating it can be. If you haven't, count your blessings.

Consumers don't have many rights when it comes to airlines choosing to oversell their inventory of seats on a plane, but the few rights we do have should be committed to memory just in case the unthinkable happens to you.

Getting the maximum compensation if you're bumped will depend on how quickly the airline can put you on another flight. You aren't compensated if the airline gets you to your destination up to an hour late. You can receive up to $400 if you're scheduled to get there between one and two hours late, and up to $800 if you're scheduled to arrive more than two hours late.

Airlines are required to ask for volunteers before bumping anyone, and will offer travel vouchers or other goodies. Before you accept an offer, ask when is the next flight that the airline can confirm your seat. There are exceptions, especially on smaller planes operated by regioanl airlines. Bumping rules don't apply to planes with fewer tha 30 seats, or when passengers are bumped to meet total weight limits including people and bags on planes with 30 - 60 seats.

Let's talk about that great price you got on your ticket. Your bargin hunting skills may get you bumped because some airlines bump passengers with the cheapest tickets, and your odds increase if you aren't a status level member of the airlines frequent flyer program.

Be sure to check-in early, many times the first passengers to be bumped are the passengers who checked in last. You can also lose your right to compensation if you show up late. It's best to arrive at the gate no later than 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. Late arrivals can be stripped of their confirmed reservations.