Regulations governing denied boardings

If a flight is oversold and too many people show up, airlines must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats, typically in exchange for some form of compensation such as a travel voucher.

If the airline can't convince enough passengers to volunteer, those bumped are involuntarily entitled to as much as $200 if they're routed to their destination between one and two hours of the originally scheduled arrival time. If it takes longer, passengers get up to $400.

Involuntarily bumped passengers can demand immediate compensation in the form of a check.

Airlines must give all involuntarily bumped passengers a written statement outlining their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't.

There are a few exceptions, however:

• You must have a confirmed reservation and meet the airline's check-in deadline.

• You're not entitled to compensation if the airline has to substitute a smaller plane or if the original flight is on an aircraft with 60 or fewer seats.

• The airline is not required to provide compensation if it gets you to your destination within an hour of the originally scheduled arrival time.

Want to give up your seat in exchange for a ticket? A few things you should know:

• Make sure you ask when your next flight will be and whether you'll have a confirmed seat or will have to fly standby. If you have to fly standby, you could get stuck at the airport much longer than you anticipated, especially if overbookings cascade throughout the day.

• Ask the airline if it provides meal vouchers, a hotel room and ground transportation, especially if your new flight doesn't leave until the next day.

• Ask about the restrictions on any travel voucher you take, as they can be difficult to use because of blackout dates or other rules.

How to avoid it

Each airline has different policies for determining who gets bumped, but typically they target those who check in last. Sometimes, they also choose passengers who paid less for their tickets. To lessen your chances of getting shoved off a flight:

• Arrive at the airport early.

• Print out your boarding pass at home.

• Allow extra time to handle unexpected hassles such as traffic, full parking lots and lines.

• Get a confirmed seat when you check in. If not, get to the gate quickly and try to get one.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, JoeSentMe.com, Terry Trippler, Consumer Travel Rights Center