Travel expert explains flight overbooking and how to avoid getting 'bumped'

A common strategy in the travel industry is to sell more tickets than there are seats available. This is based on the assumption that some passengers won't turn up, but if everyone does show up, the airline faces a dilemma and passengers bear the brunt.

Jesse Neugarten, an airline expert, told Travel + Leisure: "Airlines are legally allowed to sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane because they know some people won't show up. Most of the time, it works out, but every now and then, too many people show up, and someone has to get bumped."

At the gates, airlines have no choice but to 'bump' passengers onto other flights but the Dollar Flight Club said how the airline chooses who exactly to bump is "not random".

He said people who checked in last or don't have assigned seats are usually at the front of the line.

While overbooking and being bumped can quickly turn a holiday into a nightmare before it even begins, there are ways to safeguard yourself against being bumped by knowing what the industry looks for in a 'bump'-able passenger.

A survey by Go.Compare found that those travelling with their family were among the least likely to be targeted, with only 12% experiencing being bumped from overbooked flights.

Similarly, only 16% of those flying with children had experienced this. People on package holidays, where flights and hotels are booked together, were also less likely to be bumped, with only 16% having experienced this.

Go.Compare's travel insurance specialist, Rhys Jones, explained: "An airline might decide to deny boarding to a solo traveller over another passenger because it will be easier to rebook one person onto another flight, and it causes the least disruption as they aren't splitting up a group."

While there's little you can do to prevent being denied boarding, understanding your rights can be beneficial if the situation arises.

In the event you're bumped from a flight, Jesse suggests beginning by inquiring with airline staff about compensation, which could range from meal vouchers to an overnight hotel stay if needed.

He advised: "You have more power than you think. Always ask if they can put you on another airline. Many gate agents can do it, but they won't unless you ask."

Airlines are expected to arrange an alternative flight for you and offer any necessary support or compensation depending on the length of the delay. Generally, travel insurance does not cover issues related to overbooking as this is considered the airline's responsibility.

Rhys further mentioned: "If you miss a connection, can't get to your accommodation in time, or have to cancel part of your trip as a result, it's also possible that you could claim compensation from your airline for these types of costs.

"Some insurance policies might offer optional travel disruption cover, which could protect you in the case of overbooking if your airline doesn't offer you a suitable alternative flight. It's worth checking if your provider offers this, and the details of what's included."