Last month, I arrived at Mumbai airport for a flight to Delhi, only to find it overbooked. Despite having a confirmed ticket, I was nearly bumped but secured a voucher by volunteering to take a later flight. Overbooking is a common practice in India, where airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara sell more tickets than seats to account for no-shows. This guide explains what happens if your flight is overbooked, your rights under DGCA regulations, and how to claim compensation up to ₹20,000, ensuring you’re prepared for such disruptions.
Table of Contents
- What to Do if Your Flight Is Overbooked in India?
- Can Airlines Remove You from a Flight if Overbooked?
- Who Gets Bumped First on an Overbooked Flight?
- What Are Your Rights if Your Flight Is Overbooked?
- How Much Is Flight Compensation for Overbooking?
- Indian Airline Policies on Overbooking
What to Do if Your Flight Is Overbooked in India?
If your flight is overbooked in India, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Volunteer for Benefits: Airlines like Air India or IndiGo first seek volunteers to give up seats in exchange for vouchers, frequent flyer miles, or cash. Volunteering can be rewarding if your schedule is flexible.
- Request Alternate Flight or Refund: If involuntarily bumped, demand an alternate flight within one hour or a full refund. DGCA mandates airlines to arrange alternatives or compensate you.
- Document Everything: Keep your boarding pass, ticket, and any communication with the airline. If denied boarding, request a written statement explaining the reason.
- File a Claim: Contact the airline’s customer service or use platforms like AirSewa to file a grievance. Provide accurate contact details to ensure eligibility for compensation.
Can Airlines Remove You from a Flight if Overbooked?
Yes, airlines can remove passengers from overbooked flights, but they must follow DGCA protocols. They first ask for volunteers offering benefits like vouchers. If insufficient volunteers, passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding based on check-in time, fare class, or frequent flyer status. Airlines must then provide compensation or an alternate flight.
Who Gets Bumped First on an Overbooked Flight?
When no volunteers are found, airlines select passengers to bump based on:
- Check-in Time: Late check-ins are prioritized for bumping.
- Fare Class: Lower-fare ticket holders are often chosen first.
- Frequent Flyer Status: Higher-status passengers are less likely to be bumped.
- Travel Purpose: Leisure travelers may be prioritized over business travelers.
Airlines like Air India have faced scrutiny for non-compliance, with DGCA fining them ₹10 lakh for improper bumping practices.
What Are Your Rights if Your Flight Is Overbooked?
Under DGCA’s Passenger Charter (2019), your rights include:
- Alternate Flight: If bumped, airlines must offer an alternate flight within one hour or provide compensation. for flights beyond 24 hours.
- Compensation: If no alternate flight is arranged within one hour, you’re entitled to 200% of the one-way fare plus fuel charge (up to ₹10,000) for flights within 24 hours, or 400% (up to ₹20,000)
DGCA regulations outline compensation for denied boarding due to overbooking:
- Within 1 Hour: If an alternate flight departs within one hour, no compensation is required.
- Refund Option: If you opt out of an alternate flight, you get a full refund plus 400% of the fare (up to ₹20,000).
- Facilities: Airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and, if delayed over 24 hours, hotel accommodation and transfers.
Airlines must display these rights on their websites and notify passengers via SMS or WhatsApp.
How Much Is Flight Compensation for Overbooking?
- Within 24 Hours: 200% of the one-way fare plus fuel charge, capped at ₹10,000.
- Beyond 24 Hours: 400% of the one-way fare plus fuel charge, capped at ₹20,000.
- No Alternate Flight: Full refund plus 400% of the fare, capped at ₹20,000.
Cash payments are refunded immediately, while credit card refunds take seven days. Contact the airline or travel agent for claims, ensuring you have a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) if applicable.
Indian Airline Policies on Overbooking
Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet follow DGCA guidelines but vary in implementation. For example, Air India faced a ₹10 lakh fine in 2023 for non-compliance with compensation rules. Always check the airline’s policy on their website or contact customer service for clarity. Use tools like India Baggage Rules for additional travel insights.
FAQs About Overbooked Flights in India
What happens if your flight is overbooked in India?
Airlines seek volunteers to give up seats for benefits. If none volunteer, passengers may be involuntarily bumped, entitling them to compensation up to ₹20,000 or an alternate flight per DGCA rules.
What to do if a flight is overbooked in India?
Volunteer for benefits like vouchers, request an alternate flight or refund, document everything, and file a claim via the airline or AirSewa if bumped involuntarily.
Who gets bumped first on an overbooked flight?
Passengers with late check-ins, lower fare classes, or no frequent flyer status are typically bumped first, though airlines may prioritize leisure travelers.
What are your rights if your flight is overbooked?
You’re entitled to an alternate flight, compensation up to ₹20,000 (based on delay), a full refund if you opt out, and facilities like meals or accommodation.
What can you do when a flight is overbooked?
Volunteer for rewards, demand an alternate flight or refund, document the incident, and file a compensation claim with the airline or through AirSewa.
How much is flight compensation for overbooking in India?
Compensation ranges from ₹10,000 (alternate flight within 24 hours) to ₹20,000 (beyond 24 hours or no alternate flight), plus a full refund if you opt out.
Can airlines kick you off a flight if overbooked?
Yes, but airlines must seek volunteers first. If involuntarily bumped, you’re entitled to compensation up to ₹20,000 and an alternate flight or refund.
External Resources:
Lok Sabha: DGCA Regulations on Overbooking
Reddit: Air India Express Overbooking Experience
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