The Holiday Bump

The holiday travel season is just around the corner and this year is expected to be messier than ever. Fewer planes flying and more people traveling means that the number of overbooking incidents on flights are likely to be at an all-time high. Unless you are flying JetBlue, which is one of the only airlines that doesn't have a policy of overbooking, you should be prepared with the facts and know your rights.

Conde Naste Traveler this month has a great guide to the facts and freebies involved with this holiday tradition. Travelers should know that although US airlines are required to ask for volunteers who offer to be bumped (and take the next available flight), there are no guidelines dictating what the compensation should be for those who give up their seats. The gate agents have been trained to negotiate compensation in these situations, so it is up to you to negotiate the best deal possible, keeping in mind that employees (at least those at American Airlines) have the power to offer whatever is necessary in order to get an overbooked flight under way.

It is a different story for those who are involuntarily bumped. In this case there are strict guidelines as to how you must be compensated. If you are re-booked on another flight and you arrive at your destination within an hour of your initial timeframe you are not entitled to compensation. If you arrive within 2 hours (for domestic) or 4 hours (for international), then you are entitled to a $200 reimbursement for a one-way ticket. Anything beyond that entitles you to 200% of your airfare, but only up to $400 (try finding a ticket for under $200 these days!). The important small print here is that you have the right to demand on-the-spot payment - that means cash, not those free ticket vouchers that will never get used.

If you want to avoid the entire scenario, show up super early or better yet, check in online from home  and print your own boarding card (this only works for domestic travel).

Good luck!