Oversold flights could be your next gold mine! There has never been a better time to get bumped from a flight. The aftermath of United’s treatment of a passenger who refused to give up his seat has created the ideal conditions for those with the flexibility to take voluntary bumps and often make big money doing it.
Think airlines will stop overselling? Ain’t happening.
Think instead of what you would need to do to make a little extra money the next time your flight is overbooked. Even having to pay out higher than mandatory compensation, the airlines still win financially in most oversell situations. Airline overbooking is a fact of life that is here to stay. They are playing the odds, so here’s how you can get in the game too.
The 2 things you must do to make money on oversold flights:
- Pack appropriately. Divide your stuff into two categories: things you could live without for a few days and things you can’t. Carry on everything you need to make life complete if your checked bag goes flying without you because you opted to give up your seat.
- Make your wishes known. Even if you don’t think your flight is oversold and even if you don’t hear any announcements asking for volunteers, there is always the possibility that crew members could show up at the last minute needing seats on the plane. Start a new habit of telling the ticket agent when you check your bags that you would consider taking a bump if the flight is oversold. If you don’t check bags, find a service desk for your airline and let them know. This is important at especially large airports where it can take considerable time to make the hike to the gate. At small airports, you can simply arrive at the gate as early as possible and let that agent know.
