Overbooked Flights: What to Do If You’re Bumped and How to Get Compensated

Almost every frequent traveler has encountered an overbooked flight at some point. Airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines often sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane—a practice known as overbooking—to account for no-shows and late cancellations.

While this strategy helps airlines operate more efficiently, it can leave passengers unexpectedly grounded. Overbooking isn’t just a rare inconvenience—it happens regularly. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2024 Air Travel Consumer Report, approximately 1 in every 357 passengers was involuntarily denied boarding last year due to overbooked flights.

If this happens to you, you may be eligible for compensation, but it helps to understand how the process works. In this guide, The Parking Spot will explain what happens when a flight is overbooked, how airlines decide who gets bumped, your legal rights under U.S. law, how major airlines like Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines handle these situations, and what you can do to protect your travel plans.

What Happens When a Flight Is Overbooked?

Airlines typically overbook flights when they anticipate “no-shows” or when many people do not make their flight. Airlines use forecasting algorithms to estimate when certain flights are at a higher risk of no-shows. 

Typically, airlines get the gate agent, who monitors boarding, to ask for volunteers with compensation before involuntarily bumping people from the flight.

Choosing who gets bumped requires balancing a variety of elements, including the passengers’:

• Check-in time: The last passenger checked in will be the first bumped.
• Fare class: Basic economy passengers are more likely to get bumped.
• Frequent flyer status: Elite members rarely get bumped first.
• Capability: Unaccompanied minors, military personnel, and passengers with disabilities rarely get bumped.
• Tight connections: Fliers with tighter connections or on multi-leg itineraries usually don’t get bumped to avoid “domino delays.”

Even seasoned business travelers might get bumped, especially if they’re late, booked in basic economy, or can easily take another flight. Avoiding stressful travel in this situation requires understanding your rights and knowing how to protect yourself.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Denied Boarding

What happens if you volunteer to give up your seat?

While many understandably don’t want to be voluntarily denied boarding from their flight, choosing to do so can actually benefit flexible travelers. You may receive generous compensation if your travel plans aren’t time-sensitive, or you’re willing to catch a later flight. Airlines typically offer cash, travel vouchers, or flight credits when they can’t get you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time. In some cases, payouts for voluntary bumping can exceed $1,500.

It’s important to note that if you decline a voluntary offer, you typically forfeit your right to further compensation. And even worse, if the airline still can’t find enough volunteers, there’s still a chance you could be bumped involuntarily, with fewer options for negotiation.

What to do if you're bumped from your flight against your will?

Involuntary denied boarding happens when an airline removes you from a flight without your consent, usually because not enough people accepted a voluntary offer. If this happens, you're entitled to compensation as long as you had a confirmed reservation, checked in on time, and arrived at the gate before departure. Airlines must pay compensation if they can't get you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time.

The amount you receive depends on the length of the delay and whether you're rebooked on another flight. Per U.S. Department of Transportation rules, compensation may range up to $1,550.

Tip: Arriving early, especially if you’ve secured reliable airport parking ahead of time—like with The Parking Spot, where shuttles run frequently and service is predictable—can help reduce your risk of being selected for involuntary bumping.

Your Legal Rights & Denied Boarding Compensation

If you’re trying to save money on air travel and are denied boarding after being bumped from your overbooked flight, your compensation is guided by strict U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. Airlines must follow these guidelines to save money on their air travel:

• 0–1 hour delay: $0
• 1–2 hours: 200% of one-way fare (up to $775)
• 2+ hours: 400% (up to $1,550)

Your Written Notice of Rights 

According to the Code of Federal Regulations, airlines must give a written notice of rights for denied boarding that explains the terms, conditions, and limitations of their compensation whenever denied boarding or upon request by all airport ticket holders. 

International Flights 

If you’re denied boarding on an international flight, what happens next varies depending on several factors, such as where you’re traveling, the distance of your flight, and more. If you get bumped from an international flight, talk with your airline (and embassy, if necessary).

What to Do If Denied Boarding Involuntarily

Whether traveling for a solo trip or a family vacation, getting bumped involuntarily is upsetting. If this happens to you and your family:

• Ask for a written statement explaining your rights and compensation 
• Request an alternative flight (especially if you can get there quickly)
• Demand a refund if the delay doesn’t meet your needs
• Save receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay

Airline-Specific Overbooking Policies

The most popular airlines in the nation offer solid compensation for overbooked flights. If you’re bumped or denied boarding by one of these companies and want to know what happens next, read through this section to learn more.

Delta Air Lines

Delta uses a bid-based system at check-in to determine who gets denied a seat. Those who voluntarily give up their seat are offered compensation through the Delta Choice Gift Card Program (including cash, eCredits, and gift cards). They also rebook on the next available flight for involuntary denial and provide complimentary hotel accommodations for those who qualify.

American Airlines

To help customers who get bumped, American Airlines offers digital rebooking and volunteer bidding to make this process smoother. They follow all DOT compliance rules for cash compensation, including providing up to $1,550 for people delayed over four hours.

United Airlines

United solicits volunteers via its app, email, or gate announcements. Compensation typically includes United travel vouchers, MileagePlus miles, or hotel accommodations when overnight delays occur. Per United’s Contract of Carriage, involuntarily bumped passengers may receive up to $1,350, depending on the delay length.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Overbooked

Sometimes, no matter how carefully you plan, getting bumped from your flight is unavoidable. Following these steps can help you avoid being bumped.

Check your flight status early and often—airlines must notify you if a flight is overbooked. By law, airlines must let you know, so download your respective airline’s app and check it regularly. If your airline notifies you that your flight is overbooked, take these steps to keep yourself safe:

• Arrive early and check in ASAP to reduce your risk of getting bumped involuntarily 
• Let people around you know if you don’t mind getting bumped and are a flexible traveler 
• Keep your boarding pass, receipts, and gate agent’s names if you’re bumped involuntarily 
• Ask for a written statement of your rights and keep it on you at all times 
• Contact the DOT if your airline violates compensation laws

Tips to Avoid Getting Bumped From Your Flight

The Parking Spot can help you reduce your risk of bumping with these valuable tips. Knowing what happens and what steps to take can keep you firmly planted in your seat while others get denied boarding:

• Book directly through the airline (and their app) and not third-party providers to avoid confusion or potentially getting bumped if Delta overbooks your flight
• Fly earlier in the day, as morning flights are less likely to be full, making bumping less common
• Pick assigned seats when booking to improve your chances, especially if you arrive early and settle in ASAP to avoid getting denied boarding by United
• Join the airline’s loyalty program to become a frequent flyer and reduce your risk of getting booted
• Avoid basic economy fares whenever possible, as these flyers are the most likely to get bumped (though buying these cheaper flights does have other advantages)

Making the Most of Your Delay from Being Bumped

So, you've been bumped (voluntarily or not) and now you’re stuck at the airport for a few extra hours. While that’s not exactly how you planned to spend your day, it doesn’t have to be a total loss. Many airports now offer amenities that go far beyond vending machines and plastic chairs. Think yoga rooms, nap pods, art exhibits, gourmet food courts, even spas. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family in tow, this unexpected downtime can actually turn into a mini reset, if you know where to look.

Use this time to explore what your airport has to offer. Stretch your legs with a walk to a different terminal, grab a real meal instead of fast food, or track down a quiet area to read or recharge your devices. If you’re feeling productive, find a business lounge or co-working space. Many airports now offer day passes, even if you’re not flying business class. And if you're just trying to pass the time enjoyably, check out our Guide to Long Flight Layovers: Make Every Minute Count! for smart ways to turn a delay into something useful (or at least entertaining).

A little planning and the right mindset can transform a frustrating bump into an unexpected travel perk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In this next section, The Parking Spot offers quick answers to your frequently asked questions about overbooking. If you’ve been denied boarding and don’t have time to read this full article, here are fast answers to common questions about overbooking and your rights.

What happens if a flight is overbooked?

If your flight is overbooked, your airline will first ask volunteers to give up their seats. Many people don’t mind being bumped for compensation. If not enough people speak up, involuntary denial is the next step. 

What is denied boarding compensation?

Major airlines offer boarding compensation when a traveler is denied boarding. Depending on the company’s policy, you typically get cash or vouchers.

How much do I get if bumped from a flight?

If you get bumped from a flight, you will typically earn up to $1,550 in denied boarding compensation, though this varies depending on how long you’re delayed in your travels. Contact your airline to learn more.

What’s the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?

Voluntary denied boarding is when you give up your seat to earn compensation, while involuntary bumping means the airline chose you, against your will, to leave your seat. In many involuntary cases, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Do Delta or American Airlines offer different overbooking compensation?

Yes. Delta uses a passenger bidding system. American Airlines uses digital rebooking. Both follow DOT cash rules.

Can I refuse to be bumped?

You can decline to volunteer, but if selected for involuntary denial, you’ll likely have to give up your seat.

Will the airline pay for a hotel or meals if I’m delayed?

Some airlines may cover hotels or meals for overnight delays. Ask a gate agent and keep all receipts to support your claim.

Know Your Rights If You’re Overbooked or Denied Boarding

Getting bumped from a flight due to overbooking can be frustrating, inconvenient, or even financially disruptive, especially if you’re traveling on a tight schedule. Fortunately, U.S. regulations protect your rights as a passenger, and most airlines offer compensation when you're denied boarding. Knowing what to expect, what to ask for, and how to prepare can help you turn a stressful situation into one you’re equipped to handle confidently.

If you’re ever faced with an overbooked flight, remember to:

• Ask for a written explanation of your rights from the airline.
• Request an alternative flight or a refund, depending on your needs.
• Keep receipts for any additional expenses.
• File a complaint with the Department of Transportation if your airline fails to comply with federal regulations.

And most importantly, do what you can to reduce your travel stress before you ever reach the gate.

The Parking Spot Can Help You Start Your Trip with Confidence

[IMAGE: The Parking Spot shuttle with travelers boarding, being greeted by their driver]

Preparation is key to avoiding unnecessary delays, regardless of the reason for your trip: an important business meeting, a long-awaited family vacation, or a spontaneous weekend getaway. Reserving parking ahead of time with The Parking Spot helps you streamline your entire airport experience so that you can focus on your trip, not the terminal.

With convenient shuttles, real-time shuttle tracking, covered parking, Spot Club rewards, and flexible cancellation policies, The Parking Spot takes one more hassle off your travel checklist.