How do you deal with getting bumped from a flight? More and more “bumpees†are turning to Bumptracker, available on the FlyerTalk.com Web site.
From January to June, just a bit more than one passenger per 10,000 was bumped involuntarily. But the number did grow by 13 percent compared with last year’s figures.
The site’s suggestions on what to do when bumped:
Ø Be sure to ask for an upgrade on the flight you are bumped to.
Ø You stand a good chance of being bumped on the first Saturday of spring break to Hawaii and Washington D.C. Also. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Ø Ask if the flight is overbooked.
Ø View flight schedules for other airlines.
Ø Arrive 90 minutes before scheduled departure.
Ø Before agreeing to bumping, make certain the airline is offering free ticket or fat comps.
Ø Get confirmed reservations on the next flight. Minimal: get a guaranteed flight on another airline.
Ø If your wait for another flight exceeds two hours, inquire about meal vouchers.
Ø If you get bumped from the next flight, repeat… A second free ticket in one day could happen.
A glance at the site shows that United and Delta are among the top airlines when it comes to “bumping.â€
Report by David Wilkening
