Tips and Advice - Getting Bumped Getting Bumped Getting bumped from your airline seat can be one of the most frustrating experiences a traveler can encounter. Airlines that carry fewer than 60 persons are exempt as are charters.
Foreign carriers follow separate rules.
Read your ticket or ask your airline for an explanation of passengers' rights and what the government calls Denied Boarding Compensation. All airlines must provide this in writing. No compensation is due if the airline finds substitute transportation that gets you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time. The compensation is separate from your original ticket, which must be honored for another flight or be completely refunded. If possible, get a seat assignment when you book your ticket.