An increase in overbooked flights is becoming common as airlines aim to maximize capacity and profits. And smart flyers who don't rush in the rush can capitalize on those crowds, sometimes in a big way.
Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight from Boston to Rome were likely to have the opportunity this week, when the airline offered up to $4,000 to passengers who surrendered their seats and agreed to take a later flight. The carrier also put them in a hotel room for the night.
The poster of the video states that 10 passengers received between $2,000 and $4,000 in make-goods. Even though it's not made clear on the video, those pilots didn't hand cash when they got off the plane. Airlines, when they realize their flight is oversold, usually ask for volunteers to give up their seats, targeting passengers who aren't on a tight schedule. If you request a token bonus of a couple hundred dollars, you may be subject to a token bonus of a couple hundred dollars in vouchers or gift cards. However, if people don't take them up on this offer, the amounts begin to climb-and apparently not many in Boston were willing to put their vacations on hold, regardless of the incentives.
Most of the offers are enough to convince enough people to surrender their seat. If that doesn't happen, the airline will 'involuntarily bump' passengers, which forces them to give up their seat. The Department of Transportation notes that the airline must pay 200% of the one-way cost of a flight for delays of less than two hours or 400% for delays that last longer.