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Voluntary bumping occurs when you agree to give up a seat on an overbooked plane in exchange for some compensation. Most of the time, that compensation comes in the form of a voucher for free future travel. Personally, that's the way I like to receive a reward for waiting around an airport until the next available flight.
But if you want a free airline upgrade, why not agree to be bumped in exchange for a better seat? If there is a spot available, and the flight isn't a long-haul, the airlines might just agree to your request. After all, filling one first class seat could be cheaper than giving you a free trip.
Just how do you go about being bumped? Simply present yourself to the airline on the day of travel as someone who is willing to give up your seat in exchange for considerations in the event the flight is overbooked. If there is an overbooking (and frequently this does occur because airlines have to avoid empty seats), airline personnel might appreciate your offer -- even if it is motivated by more than kindness.
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Good article micharch and good tip, Kay. I wouldn't mind waiting if my flight would be more comfortable. I've always got a book or two in my carry-on luggage to keep me occupied during delays and in-flight. If I had the whole family, I may not be as happy to do so but if it were just me, I would volunteer now I know you can do that.
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Lucky you, Kay! :) If I didn't have to pick up a connection elsewhere and wasn't in a hurry to get to a special event, I'd trade sitting around for a more pleasant flight. Anytime I was traveling light I would be interested. That has to help the girl at the ticket desk too if she knows in advance who's willing to do it. I feel sorry for them when they have to ask people to get bumped and the people get mad but airlines overbook all the time.
Don't talk to me about getting bumped. My nice new car tangled with a deer yesterday. Hubby was okay but what a mess...but I digress. :)
Another thing to do if you want to get bumped is dress respectably. They won't upgrade you quite so readily to first class if you look like a tramp. I was lucky enough to get upgraded on an UK-US flight once and I didn't even need to wait around for the next one. How the other half live! LOL. It was so comfortable.
The best way for a person to have happy thoughts is to count his blessings and not his cash. ~Author Unknown