What can a passenger do when an overbooked flight situation arises in India

Overbooking is more common on Indian airlines than you think.

United Airlines on Monday handled an overbooking situation by brutally off loading a passenger with a security personnel dragging him down the aisle even as he screamed and protested.

Such situation do arise in India. Overbooking is more common on Indian airlines than you think but airlines haven't been known to manhandle passengers even in dire situation.

What do you mean by overbooked flights?

Overbooked flights are nothing but a situation when an airline accepts reservations for a flight more than its seating capacity. This is commonly done to fill up the seats left vacant by late or last minute cancellations or people who don't show up for their flight.

What can airlines in such a situation of overbooking?

Airlines in India can deny boarding to confirmed passengers in case of an oversale.

What does the Directorate General of Civil Aviation say?

In case of overbooking when more number of confirmed passengers check-in for a flight, the airline may deny boarding to you even though you are holding a confirmed booking and reports well within the specified time ahead of the departure of the flight.

And in case you voluntarily vacate your seat, the airline will offer benefits or facilities at its own discretion. And if you are bumped off against your wish, the airline is liable to pay monetary compensation.

How not to get bumped off?

Once you book your ticket online, confirm your reservation with the airline. According to the aviation experts, check with the airlines like how many seats have been already booked and also the status of reservation and estimated. Secondly, show up well before time especially during the peak hour or peak-season flights.

OneIndia News

All photos taken from PTI