Over Booking Flights!

[jd_1984]

We are all aware this happens.
Flight operators do over book some flights. Often not all booked passengers arrive on time, but sometimes all do and there is a surplus of people unable to fly.
I am aware of the justification of doing this but I cant help but thin it is greedy and immoral.
Has anybody experienced this first hand?
I read about a case where a gentleman was offered £1000 in vouchers (all be it to be used with the company that had overbooked the flight) to travel the next day. His family travelled without him. As it was for a fortnight trip, he took the offer and still and 13 days holiday and £1000 in vouchers.
Its a good deal I suppose

[ToraToraTora]

Mikey, that's not been my experience, I think Andy explains why they do it very well above. In my experience I just hang around the desk when I sense that they have too many in cattle truck and simply ask. A few times they've just said no way out of hand but on several occasions they've sort of said ok but just give us 10mins to clarify the position. I've been put in Business class several times. I dress smart casual for travlelling and that helps.

[Dee Sa]

I was at JFK for a return Virgin flight to Heathrow and a male Virgin employee came alone the line waving sterling in one hand and dollars in the other for people who would stand down, we needed to catch a connecting flight so could not do it.

[jd_1984]

My post wasn't about people who get a "bump" to a better class due to overbooking economy seats. It was regarding the folks that arrive at the airport in good faith that they will board the flight that they have paid for, and get told their seat is already occupied. How frustrating would that be, or, "would sir be willing to take some vouchers rather than fly". What happens if nobody takes the deal?. I have read and understood the posts that explain the need for airlines to do this. But for Joe Bloggs who cant now fly, it seems wrong to me.

[Cloverjo]

Jd, if no one takes the offer, the airline employees tell the last to check in that they cannot take the flight, I believe. (My OH watches all those dreadful programmes about airlines and airports and the sound leaks out of his headphones)
If they have onward commitments or connecting flights, it's tough.