Not enough seats on board
Overbooking is the most unpleasant situation when more tickets are sold on a flight than there are seats on board. In passenger aviation there is its own statistics, which shows that some of the passengers, for one reason or another, do not board their flight. Airlines often go in the wake of this data, selling extra tickets. However, sometimes it happens quite logical – all the passengers came to the flight.
Most often, the victims of overbooking are those who register last. If you are suddenly denied boarding before the flight due to overbooking, you have the right to either get the money for the ticket back or agree to fly the next flight of this airline.
As for the first case, many Western airlines can add a couple of hundred euros from themselves for the additional costs associated with the uncomfortable situation, but this is not mandatory. In particular, if you fly a low-cost airline or a company with a dubious reputation, immediately state when you will receive money for a ticket (with a high probability it will not be immediately) and whether there is any other compensation.
If you choose to fly the next flight, you will receive the same additional services for the waiting time as for canceling or delaying the flight.
It is not uncommon for respected airlines to additionally offer passengers who come under overbooking both monetary compensation (about 250-500 euros) and various bonuses. For example, a Dubai carrier Emirates can give a ticket with an open date to any destination in gratitude for your loyalty.
!!! Regardless of what the airline promised you, be sure to request a stamped document from its employees confirming that you were not put on a flight, as well as a stamped ticket with a date of subsequent departure. Be sure to collect all checks for goods and services that are compensable.
The class of service was changed
In case you bought economy class tickets, and because of the circumstances you were upgraded to the business class, you will not be charged extra money for that. However, if you spent on a business class ticket, and for some reason you were forced to transfer to an economy class, compensation is due. Depending on the flight distance, the airline is obliged to pay:
- when flying 1500 km or less - 30% of the cost of the ticket;
- when traveling from 1501 km to 3500 km (except for flights between EU countries) - 50% of the ticket price;
- in other cases - 75% of the ticket price.
Ask the company representative how to get compensation, or save your boarding pass, which indicates the modified class of service.
Excess Baggage
You cannot argue with the rules, if you are asked to pay for excess baggage. The amount of baggage and its maximum weight are always indicated when buying a ticket. Moreover, passengers who begin to threaten or make trouble due to paying extra money may be removed from the flight altogether.
In order not to get into an unpleasant situation, weigh your luggage before leaving for the airport, or at least at the free reception directly at the airport. Sometimes the only thing that can save you from overpayment is the ability to put some of the heavy things in your hand luggage or put on heavy clothes from a suitcase (for example, a coat or shoes).
Tariff for excess baggage and weight is calculated individually, depending on the class of service, flight range and domestic tariffs of the airline. In any case, you should find out how it is calculated - by the number of luggage spaces (for example, you can only hand over 1 suitcase up to 23 kg) or by the total weight (for example, you can hand over several bags with a total weight up to 20 kg). Usually, the baggage overweight always costs more than the fee for additional space.
Also keep in mind that in many airports you will be refuse in bordering with a suitcase whose weight is more than 32 kg. Such luggage is called oversized and is forbidden on board. If it is extremely necessary for you to carry oversized baggage, find out about this possibility in advance by contacting the airline representative by phone or email.
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