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A Bumping Bonanza on United Flights
Produced by Sam Hudzik on Tuesday, November 06, 2007
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A federal report shows a sharp increase in the number of passengers getting bumped from United Airlines flights. The Chicago-based airline bumped almost 25,000 customers between July and September of this year.
United is not alone; the number of bumped passengers increased across the industry. But United bumped 50-percent more passengers during the third quarter this year than it did the same period last year. David Field is an editor with Airline Business magazine.
FIELD: When you get bumped, the airline says, 'Okay, we'll book you on a flight in three hours. And here's a coupon for a free future flight and we'll give you a funny hat and free drinks.'
But not every bumped passenger volunteers for it. United forced 1,200 involuntary bumpings, almost double last year's numbers. Field says the increase is because airlines have cut flights, and seats. A spokesperson says United sells extra tickets to take into account passengers who miss the flight. She says the bumping increase means the airline incorrectly estimated the number of no-shows.
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