Can an Airline Deny Boarding After Online Check-in Due to Overbooking?
Yes, an airline can deny boarding after online check-in due to overbooking. This happens when the airline sells more tickets than the number of available seats on a flight. This practice, known as overselling, aims to minimize the impact of last-minute cancellations or no-shows. Should all reserved passengers show up, the airline may need to deny boarding to some of them.
Why Do Airlines Oversell?
Airlines forecast passenger non-attendance and sell more tickets to compensate for this. However, if more passengers show up than expected, the airline must address the issue. They usually seek volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation like travel vouchers or rebooking on a later flight. If no volunteers are available, the airline may have to deny boarding to passengers without compensation.
Compensation for Denied Boarding
Passengers who are denied boarding involuntarily are usually entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation varies according to the airline's policies and applicable regulations. In the U.S., the Department of Transportation mandates specific compensation rules for passengers denied boarding involuntarily.
Can Airlines Unilaterally Decide to Void a Ticket?
Yes, airlines have the authority to void a ticket unilaterally. This decision is typically made to protect the airline from financial liabilities and the costs of detaining passengers. An example of absurdity can be seen during Delta Air Lines' 'upgrade' incident where a passenger was upgraded to first class and then suddenly asked to return to economy just before the flight. Such unilateral decisions can result in passenger inconvenience and frustration.
Responding to Denied Boarding
When denied boarding, the best approach is to negotiate for what you can get from the airline. This might include compensation, rebooking on a future flight, or other benefits. Airlines may be willing to offer more than what is mandated to avoid potential disputes and negative publicity.
Further Reading
For a detailed explanation of how airlines determine whether to overbook a flight, refer to Gauri Bansal's answer. Understanding the intricacies of airline overbooking helps passengers navigate the often confusing and frustrating situation of denied boarding.
Conclusion: While denied boarding due to overbooking can be a stressful experience, passengers have rights and can negotiate for compensation and other benefits. It is essential to stay informed and know your rights to navigate these situations effectively.