Denied Boarding: What To Know If Your Flight Is Overbooked
Airlines sometimes sell more seats than they have. They ask for volunteers first; if too few step forward, some passengers are denied boarding. If you want help with your own booking, call 1-855-365-0395.
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Call 1-855-365-0395Independent travel assistance line. Not an airline phone number.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| First | Airline asks for volunteers |
| Then | Some may be denied boarding |
| Your right | A written statement of rights |
| Compensation | May apply; none if you arrive within an hour of schedule |
| Help line | 1-855-365-0395 |
Volunteering
Before accepting, ask when the next flight is, whether your seat there is confirmed and what is included, such as meals, hotel and ground transport.
If involuntarily bumped
DOT rules require a written explanation of your rights and how the airline chooses who is bumped. Compensation may apply if you arrive more than an hour late and is higher for longer delays. Paid extras you do not receive should be refunded.
Step by step
- Ask for options if volunteers are requested.
- Request the written statement if bumped.
- Ask about the next confirmed flight and compensation.
- Keep your boarding pass.
How major airlines handle denied boarding
Fare names and rules differ by airline and change often. Use these notes as a starting point and confirm your own fare.
Delta Air Lines
Main Cabin and higher fares are generally more flexible than Basic Economy. For denied boarding, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
American Airlines
Its Basic Economy fare is usually the most restricted option. For denied boarding, check the rules attached to your own fare on American Airlines’s website or app.
United Airlines
Standard economy and above generally allow more changes than Basic Economy. For denied boarding, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
Southwest Airlines
Its Basic fare (one of four: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra) is usually the most restricted option. For denied boarding, check the rules attached to your own fare on Southwest Airlines’s website or app.
Alaska Airlines
Saver fares are the most restricted, while main cabin fares are more flexible. For denied boarding, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
JetBlue Airways
Its Blue Basic fare is usually the most restricted option. For denied boarding, check the rules attached to your own fare on JetBlue Airways’s website or app.
Air Canada
Flights to, from or within Canada may also fall under Canadian passenger protection rules. For denied boarding, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
Lufthansa
Its entry-level economy fare is usually the most restricted option. For denied boarding, check the rules attached to your own fare on Lufthansa’s website or app.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Volunteering without a confirmed alternative.
- Not asking for the statement.
- Leaving before terms are explained.
Questions people ask
Can they bump a confirmed ticket?
Yes, but you have rights.
Do I get compensation?
Depends on arrival delay and other factors.
If I volunteer?
Get terms in writing.
Ready to sort this out?
Call the travel assistance line and have your confirmation code and travel dates ready.
Call 1-855-365-0395Independent travel assistance line. Not an airline phone number.
Independent information service. VerdictSpot Travel Help is not an airline and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any airline. Airline names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the topics covered. Airline rules change often; confirm current terms for your own ticket. You can also manage many bookings yourself on the airline’s own website or app. If you call, ask the agent to explain any service fee before you agree to anything.