Should Airlines OverBook Flights Because People Dont Cancel Their Reservations

[Parche]

This has been common practice in the Airline industry for years, people dont cancel their
reservation, and are a 'No-Show' and the seat goes out empty, if it were not for the practice
of 'Overbooking' of the flight the Airlines would lose money.
But recently the airlines have been caught with too many flights that are overbooked and no
seats for the passengers, causing air rage, headaches, missed connections etc.

Should they be allowed to do this still?
:popcorn: :hi:

[MrCoffee]

1. 2 options

sell the overbooked seats at a STEEP discount (maybe you fly, maybe you don't); or bump the person to the next flight and comp them a ticket (which i keep waiting for the damn airlines to do for me!)

[Gormy Cuss]

2. Nothing wrong with overbooking to ensure that planes are full.

The airlines do have a responsibility to the traveler who is bumped by this practice, and that's get them on another flight ASAP or pay a steep penalty for the inconvenience.

[distantearlywarning]

3. How do the airlines lose money if a passenger is a no-show?

Isn't the seat already paid for?

[Haole Girl]

4. Not really

Especially if they write in for a refund. Or, if it's an International ticket and they have any friend or distant relative, who happens to be a physician, write a letter requesting a refund due to medical reasons (not that passengers would ever do that kind of thing :eyes: ). Then, there is the business traveler who sometimes has a refundable ticket.

There is much more on the subject of revenue management I could get into, but I'll stop there.

[Parche]

5. Not Really

Its what is pulled for the flight, the ticket or electronic ticket