Being bumped from a flight, even with a confirmed ticket, is a frustrating reality for many travelers. Airlines often oversell flights, hoping that some passengers won’t show up, leading to a potential scramble for seats. A new study by Upgraded Points sheds light on the airlines most likely to bump passengers, revealing the carriers with the highest rates of involuntary denied boardings in 2024.
The study, which analyzed Department of Transportation (DOT) data from Q1 2023 to Q2 2024, looked at both voluntary and involuntary denied boardings across the largest U.S. airlines. Data was presented as denied boardings per 10,000 passengers, providing a clearer picture of which airlines have the highest likelihood of bumping passengers.
Frontier Airlines emerged as the top contender for involuntary denied boardings, significantly exceeding the rates of other carriers. This finding should be a red flag for travelers considering Frontier, prompting them to consider the potential risks associated with flying with the budget airline.
The study also delved into the compensation expectations of American travelers in the event of denied boarding. On average, Americans expect $599 to voluntarily give up their seat on an overbooked flight. However, residents of certain states hold even higher expectations for compensation.
This data underscores the importance of understanding your rights as a passenger, especially when dealing with denied boarding. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the DOT’s rules and regulations concerning denied boardings, as well as the specific policies of your chosen airline. Armed with this knowledge, you can navigate these situations with greater confidence and ensure you’re adequately compensated in the event of an involuntary denied boarding.
