This airline practice could ruin your trip — here’s how to avoid it like a pro

We’ve all heard about the joys and challenges of air travel—delayed flights, lost luggage, and cramped seats. But there’s one airline practice that could completely derail your plans: overbooking. While it may sound like something that only happens to other travelers, overbooking is actually quite common, and it affects thousands of passengers every year. So, how can you avoid it and ensure a smooth journey? Let’s dive in.

Overbooking: A Common, but Stressful Practice

Overbooking is a practice airlines use to maximize their profits by selling more tickets than there are seats on a plane. The logic is simple: airlines assume some passengers will cancel or not show up, so they sell extra tickets to fill the plane to capacity. While this may work out for the airline, it can lead to frustrating situations for passengers, especially when you show up only to find you can’t board your flight.

If you’ve ever been asked to take a later flight or been rebooked on a different route, you’ve likely experienced the consequences of overbooking. But it’s not just about getting bumped off a flight; you could find yourself being separated from your travel companions, squeezed into a different seat, or forced to race through the airport to make it to your new gate.

How to Avoid Being a Victim of Overbooking

Overbooking is something that affects all airlines, and unfortunately, it’s often out of your control. But, as travel expert Ségolène Sergeant of Passy Voyages explains, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to reduce your chances of being impacted by overbooking. While these strategies aren’t foolproof, they certainly improve your odds:

1. Book Business or First-Class Seats

If you’re willing to splurge a bit, booking a seat in business or first class is one way to avoid being bumped from your flight. These tickets are less likely to be overbooked because airlines prioritize these passengers. But, let’s be honest, not everyone has the budget for this luxury. However, if you’ve paid for a cheaper ticket, you might be the first to be considered for a rebooking in the event of overbooking.

2. Avoid Peak Travel Times

Flights during peak hours—early mornings and late evenings—are the ones most likely to be overbooked. These are the times when the highest number of passengers tend to book their tickets. If possible, opt for flights during off-peak times—middle of the day, for example—when there’s less demand for seats. This small change could make a big difference when it comes to avoiding overbooking.

3. Check-In as Early as Possible

Check-in early—ideally 24 hours before your flight—to secure your seat. Most airlines allow you to check in online, and doing so early gives you a better chance of keeping your reservation. If you forget or can’t check in online, make sure to arrive at the airport as early as possible. The later you check in, the higher the likelihood you’ll be one of the passengers impacted by overbooking.

4. Join Frequent Flyer Programs

If you travel often, joining an airline’s frequent flyer program and achieving a status like “Gold” or “Platinum” can reduce the likelihood of being bumped from your flight. Frequent flyers tend to be prioritized over others, so if you’ve earned a higher status, you’re more likely to get your seat.

When All Else Fails: Consider Alternative Travel

If flying really stresses you out, you might want to consider other travel options. Long train journeys or even embracing the slow travel movement could be the perfect antidote to the frustrations of air travel. Sure, it may take a bit longer, but you won’t face the same challenges, and it’s a great opportunity to explore places you might otherwise miss.

Your Rights in Case of Overbooking

If you are unlucky enough to face overbooking, it’s important to know your rights. You’re entitled to be rebooked on another flight to the same destination, and if you opt for a refund, you may also be eligible for compensation. Knowing this can help reduce the stress of being in that situation, as you’ll understand that you won’t be left stranded.