"BUMPING FOR $$$$$"

Interesting topic, and one I've been thinking a lot about lately even before this post. We are flying back from Las Vegas on Sept 24 and the flight is showing on the SW website as being sold out. I had already warned DH that if they were looking for volunteers to be bumped he'd better be prepared to stay another day, because I'm planning on being the first in line to offer. We are booked on the last flight out to Buffalo, and it's a nonstop, so I'm pretty sure there is no way they could get us there within two hours of our original arrival time. The only thing that would stop me is if we had to accept the first available flight the next day, which happens to leave at the unholy time of 6:05 am. I don't have any trouble catching a 6 am flight to Vegas, but going home? I think not! Does anyone have any experience with this situation where SW is concerned?

Southwest is the airline I fly to Vegas. If you are going to try to get the bump, get to the gate about 90 minutes before your departure time and ask right away if they are starting list. This way you will be first. The last time I got bumped, they asked me what time I wanted to fly out the next day. If there are a good number of seats on some flights the next day, they should give you your choice. Remember, you are doing them the favor by giving up your seat and letting them make extra money.

Ray

I thought that "Bumping for $$$$$" was illegal in Clark County.

"Bumping For $$$$" is legal, "Grinding For $$$" is not.

Ray

I've always been interested in bumping but i am usually so anxious to get to Vegas and then ready to return home that i have never pursued it. Now that we are retired and no one has to go to work the next day, i am thinking about it. Is your first opportunity when the attendant opens up the desk at the boarding area? Do you just go up and tell them you are willing to take a bump?

Yes. As soon as you see someone at the desk at the gate area, just ask them if the flight is oversold (or very close to it) and if it is, tell them you would like to be put on the bump list. If they need anyone, they will page you to come back to the desk. Pretty easy.

Ray

That's correct. It's bumping and grinding that's not legal.