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issues with being bumped-booking flights online?

Posted by (Midwest, U.S.) on

Okay, this might sound crazy. I read this on another travel forum and wanted to see if anyone here has ever heard of this before. I thought it sounded kinda crazy.

what was posted was to be careful booking with online flight finder sites (kayak, expedia, etc.) because you run the risk of getting bumped because you didn't book directly with the airline or a travel agent? this person also said this happens frequently with overseas flights? I think it sounds goofy but since I haven't booked any overseas flights in nearly 30 years, I really don't know.

I've been using kayak.com to search for flights to and from Spain for our trip in May. I guess I could call a travel agent and ask but thought I'd post it here to see what others here thought of this or if anyone has experienced this.

thanks!

Posted by
16291 posts

The answer is "sort of yes" and no.

After asking for volunteers, airlines have a procedure on choosing people to be bumped. The big three are:

1) Time of check in
2) Fare paid
3) Status in that airline's FF club.

The last one to check in will be high on the list of being bumped. The person paying the lowest fare is also high up on the list.(Not only didn't you buy the fare from the airline, but the airline sold that seat at a discount to the online booking agent.) Not being a member of that airlines FF club or not being an "elite" status member, puts you on the list.

That said, it's still up to the gate agent. Remember, though, that if you are bumped, you're entitled to compensation depending on how long it takes to get you on another flight.

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