Getting Bumped on Airlines

What is the best way to get "bumped" on an airline.

Someone suggested going to the desk at the gate when a rep finally appears and have your name put on a list. Is this the best way to do it? Or just wait till they announce someone has to give up their seats.

My husband and I would be more than willing to give up our seats for a later flight to LV in January if the "freebees" were worth it.

Thanks

I have allowed myself to be bumped many times. I utilize the same procedure and it has worked for me. Since I am always early for my flight,I do wait for the desk person to arrive and set up. Then I ask how full my flight is. If the aircraft has been overbooked (full) I then volunteer to be bumped if my seat is needed. The desk person will take your name and will call your name if your seat is needed. You will need to be in close proximity during boarding and listening for your name. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice - think we'll try that!! Do you have to take the first offer they give or can you ask for more? Maybe time in the lounge, first class, etc.?

I have never asked for more, it never crossed my mind. I was just thankful for the voucher. But it can't hurt to try. Who knows? Good luck.

In the event that it appears the airline may be facing possible involuntary bumps, the offers continue to get sweeter. Once Portland, Alaska Airlines was offering a voucher for round-trip tickets, plus $400 in cash. They even announced that you could cash the check at the First Class window, but the airline still couldn't get takers. The problem was all their flights were sold out and they couldn't guarantee placement on a flight. I was one of those involuntarily bumped.

Round trip and 400 bucks? I would've taken it.

J

On second thought, they'd have to throw in a place to sleep as well, not sure these bones would be up for sleeping in the airport lounge for 400 bucks. Go back a few a years and yea, no problem.

Jatki,

The problem was this was a Saturday morning around 7:30 a.m. and Alaska Airlinues couldn't guarantee a flight out until Monday morning. It was the start of spring break and people flying to Phoenix/Scottsdale had pre-paid for their hotels or resorts or they had connecting flights to places like Cabo. Plus, none of us had luggage and change of clothes -- that all made the original flight. Sigh. They wounded up busing a number of us involuntarily bumped to Seattle for a Sunday flight out. Less than ideal all the way around.

Bump story:

I was on a flight to San Jose Ca from Denver Co.
No one volunteered.

A couple offers were announced.

Then they offered a round trip ticket in the continental US and 1st class on another flight.

I took it. I went to the airlines at the next desk, got booked through Las Vegas, 4 hour layover, then to San Jose.

The orignial flight then was delayed 6 hours for a mechanical.

My flight got in before theirs, I got my free ticket, and a brief visit to Las Vegas, played some Blackjack.

Life's good.

You can always ask for more, but since so many people want to take advantage of the benefits available for being bumped, the next person in line will probably take what was just offered to you and get the bump instead of you. Also, since most airlines now operate with pretty full planes due to fewer sked flights, that bump can easily cost you a day or more of your trip if all the other flights are also full, or if there aren't any more available on that day. Be sure it's worth it to you to possibly lose out on some or all of this trip to get another one for free later.