Being kicked off the plane when you're already at your departure gate can be frustrating, to say the least. However, there may be a silver lining, such as a bag of upgrades.
According to TikTok user @travelingoutofsty, “You can still get a first class seat on an overbooked flight.” the poster wrote in the caption of a viral video shared on March 3 and viewed 1.8 million times.
The footage shows a man speaking to the camera at what appears to be an airport. “If your flight is overbooked and you want to get on a later flight because they are offering you money, you can also request an upgrade to first class. In many cases, they will provide that,” he says.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) explains that “bumping” passengers, also known as “denied boarding,” occurs when more passengers are booked than there are seats available.
The Department for Transport said the action was “not illegal”. “Airlines will oversell scheduled flights to some extent to compensate for 'no-shows.'”
The DOT continues, “In most cases, airlines accurately predict 'no-shows' and everything goes smoothly. However, overselling practices can sometimes result in passenger collisions.”
What is my compensation if I fall out of a plane?
The DOT says airlines must first ask customers to voluntarily give up their seats in exchange for compensation before removing an involuntary passenger from a plane. The airline may offer compensation in the form of money or vouchers.
“There is no limit to the amount or vouchers offered by airlines, and passengers are free to negotiate with airlines,” the Department for Transport said.
According to the DOT, most passengers whose planes are briefly delayed will receive a payout equal to twice the one-way fare of the plane that was struck. However, the airline may limit this amount to a maximum of $775.
Those with extended delays will be paid four times the one-way fare of the flown ticket, and airlines may limit this amount to a maximum of $1,550, the DOT said.
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If airlines are unable to get enough volunteers off the plane, they will “select passengers to give up their seats.” This is also known as “involuntary denied boarding.”
The DOT says, “While it is legal for airlines to inadvertently remove passengers from oversold flights when there are not enough volunteers, it is up to airlines to independently determine fair boarding priorities.” It is a responsibility,” he wrote.
The DOT says airlines will be required to compensate passengers if they disembark from a flight that is unintentionally oversold in “certain circumstances.” They include:
- Your reservation has been confirmed
- I checked in for my flight on time.
- Arrived at the departure gate on time
- The airline cannot take you to your destination within one hour of your flight's original arrival time
However, there are situations in which you may not be able to receive compensation even if you involuntarily fall from an airplane. These could include having to meet aircraft weight limits or converting to smaller aircraft for safety or operational reasons, the DOT said.
“It works for me most of the time.”
Some TikTokers have appreciated the flight tips shared in the videos, and some have told their own stories of bagging flight upgrades and other benefits.
A user named She said, “Great idea,” and David L wrote, “Works most of the time!”
K_Slayy said, “Good to know,” and Marquirsha wrote, “I'll keep this in mind!!”
“I love volunteering. I've gotten some great deals from volunteering. It helps that I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere,” @kaylaontheroad said. I did.
“Wait until the last moment to get upgraded! A friend got over $2,000 once,” @natur.arly said.
User vampyreemy wrote, “I got a hotel, an upgrade to first class, transportation from the airport to my home, and a car seat for my child. I also got a meal voucher for dinner.”
newsweek reached out to the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, finding common ground and finding connections.
