Being denied boarding on a flight is one of the most frustrating experiences for travelers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), denied boarding, also known as bumping, happens when there are not enough seats available on a flight due to overbooking or other reasons and an airline has to deny passengers from boarding the aircraft.
What is Overbooking?
Overbooking is a standard industry practice where airlines sell more tickets than the available number of seats on a flight. It is done to account for the likelihood that some passengers may cancel or miss their flight. By overbooking, airlines aim to fly with all seats filled to maximize revenue.
However, sometimes when all or more passengers show up for their booked flight, there are not enough seats. In such cases of oversold flights, airlines have to resort to denying boarding to some passengers.
When Can Passengers Be Denied Boarding?
There are a few reasons why an airline may have to deny passengers from boarding a flight:
- Overbooking – When more passengers hold confirmed tickets than the available seats on the flight.
- Aircraft size downgrade – Sometimes airlines have to swap a larger plane for a smaller one, leading to fewer seats.
- Operational and safety reasons – Mechanical issues with the aircraft resulting in reduced seating capacity.
- Re-accommodation of passengers from earlier canceled or delayed flights.
- Government mandate – Air marshals or other officials requiring a seat at the last minute.
In most cases, airlines will first ask for volunteers willing to take a later flight in return for compensation before denying boarding to passengers involuntarily. However, in instances of aircraft downgrading, operational issues, or government orders, voluntary denied boarding may not be possible.
What Rights Do Passengers Have in Denied Boarding?
When passengers are denied boarding involuntarily, the DOT rules protect their rights in the following ways:
- Written notice – Airlines must give a written notice to passengers who are denied boarding mentioning the compensation and other assistance being offered.
- Compensation – Denied boarding compensation must be provided to passengers based on the below chart:
| Flight Segment Length | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 hour flights | No compensation |
| 1 to 1 hour 59 minutes flights | $200 |
| 2 to 2 hour 59 minute flights | $400 |
| 3 hours or more flights | $600 |
- Refund – Passengers who are denied boarding involuntarily are entitled to a refund for the part of their trip they missed due to being bumped off the flight.
- Rebooking – Airlines must rebook denied passengers on their next flight to the destination on their original itinerary at no additional cost.
- Amenities – Reasonable amenities and assistance must be provided if passengers have to stay overnight due to denied boarding.
When is Denied Boarding Considered Involuntary?
Denied boarding is considered to be involuntary when:
- The passenger has a confirmed ticket and checked-in on time.
- The flight is oversold and not all ticketed passengers can be accommodated.
- The airline cannot find volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation.
- The passenger is denied boarding against their will.
Scenarios where denied boarding may be considered voluntary include:
- The passenger checks in after the airline’s stipulated deadline.
- The passenger is willing to voluntarily give up their seat in exchange for compensation offered by the airline.
- The passenger needs to be removed from the flight for disruptive, threatening, abusive, or violent behavior.
- The passenger does not meet documentary requirements for travel such as valid visa, passport, or other ID documents.
What is Considered As Arriving Late By Airlines?
Airlines consider a passenger to have arrived late if they fail to meet the check-in and boarding cutoff deadlines set by the airline. These deadlines can vary depending on factors like:
- Type of ticket – Economy, business, first class etc.
- Frequent flyer status
- Departure airport
- Operating airline
Typical check-in and boarding cutoff deadlines can be:
| Airline | Check-in Cutoff | Boarding Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 60 minutes before departure | 15 minutes before departure |
| United | 60 minutes before departure (U.S) | 15 minutes before departure |
| American | 45 minutes before departure | 15 minutes before departure |
Passengers arriving after the check-in deadline may have their reservations canceled. Arriving after the boarding cutoff time can result in denied boarding.
Can Airlines Deny Boarding Due to Overweight or Obese Passengers?
Most airlines do have weight limits and restrictions when it comes to overweight passengers. However, denying boarding solely based on a passenger’s weight or obesity can be discriminatory. Some key points on airline policies for obese passengers are:
- Large passengers must be able to buckle seatbelts safely. Many airlines require obese passengers to purchase an additional seat if a single seat does not allow safe operation of the seatbelt.
- If a passenger does not fit into a single seat even with an extended seatbelt, airlines may deny boarding for operational and safety reasons.
- Wheelchairs designed for disabled passengers usually have weight limits of 300 to 400 pounds. Heavier passengers may be denied boarding if an airline does not have appropriate equipment to safely board them.
- A passenger may be denied boarding if his or her width spills over into an adjoining seat, causing discomfort to other passengers.
However, any denial of boarding purely based on the passenger’s weight without specific safety concerns can be considered discriminatory under the Air Carrier Access Act.
What Steps to Take if Denied Boarding Occurs?
If a passenger is denied boarding, they should take the following steps:
- Request a written statement from the airline mentioning the terms of denied boarding compensation and amenities provided.
- Understand the airline’s rules on boarding priorities – usually frequent flyers and higher fare class passengers get preference.
- Accept the alternative travel option provided by the airline for the next available flight.
- Ask the airline to rebook connecting flights and provide lodging and amenities as required during the interim.
- Follow up with the airline after the trip for any denied boarding compensation owed as per DOT policy.
- File a complaint with the airline’s customer service and DOT if there are disputes regarding denied boarding compensation or accommodations.
Key Takeaways on Denied Boarding
- Denied boarding can happen when flights are oversold, or there are operational issues leading to reduced aircraft capacity.
- In case of involuntary denied boarding, DOT protects passenger rights by regulations on compensation, refunds, and amenities.
- Arriving late as per airline deadlines, safety issues due to passenger weight, disruptive behavior, or lack of documentation can lead to denied boarding.
- Passengers should be aware of airline boarding policies and deadlines to minimize chances of denied boarding.
- In case of denied boarding, cooperate with the airlines for rebooking while following up for any owed compensation.