When airlines sell more tickets than the number of seats on a plane and all passengers show up, some airlines often ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation.

According to regulations protecting passengers' legitimate rights when a flight is overbooked, volunteers who give up their seats can receive cash, meal vouchers, overnight accommodation, and free tickets for the next flight.

Compensation helps protect passenger rights when a flight is overbooked. Photo: Joe Giron/The New York Times

Compensation helps protect passenger rights when a flight is overbooked. Photo: Joe Giron/The New York Times

Passengers can receive between 2,000 USD and 4,000 USD when they volunteer to give up their seats for a later flight. "With a small sacrifice, giving up your seat can get you a free flight later and hundreds or even thousands of dollars," one user said.

Delta Air Lines has increased its compensation to up to 10,000 USD. Meanwhile, American Airlines changed its policy to avoid removing passengers who have already boarded the plane, and United Airlines implemented a policy requiring crew check-in to be completed at least one hour before departure to avoid forcing ticketed passengers off the plane.

The US Department of Transportation tightened regulations in 2021 to prevent airlines from forcing passengers who have checked in on time off flights, emphasizing that the compensation levels are only minimums.

Travel expert Henderson said, "The compensation helps passengers get justice when airlines oversell their flights," noting it's not surprising that passengers are starting to react, especially when faced with cramped seats, poor food quality, and constantly rising ticket prices. However, the expert added that airlines also understand the rules and know how to protect their profits.

While airlines try to attract customers with perks like free upgrades, vouchers, or promotions from major retail chains, many passengers prefer smart travel tips found on social media, such as how to get free flights, stay in luxury hotels, and receive compensation.

Customers are using these tips to reclaim rights from airlines they believe are "cheating" them. However, the popularity of these tips on TikTok has some worried that airlines will soon tighten or change their policies in response.

Ha Phuong (Sun)