I was excited when I heard on the news that airlines were doubling the compensation for bumped passengers. You'll who have been following my travels down through the years know that getting bumped is one of my favorite frugal tricks. But once I read an article giving details about this new airline rule announced by the Transportation Department my excitement quickly changed to “Never mind.” This new mandated increase would only apply to involuntary bumping, not the kind when I volunteer. 

However, with the airlines looking for ways to cope with rising gas costs, by cutting routes and working to fly more full planes, there may be a rise in overbooking. And volunteers may need to be enticed with bigger payment packages so the airline can avoid the higher penalty for involuntary bumping.

Let’s hear it for airline overbooking! 

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