What is Overbooking and What Does it Mean for Travelers?
Overbooking is the practice of airlines and hotels accepting more reservations than are actually available. This strategy is primarily used to prevent cancellations and no-shows, as well as to maximize profits. However, overbooking flights or hotels can cause unexpected problems for travelers.
Airlines sell additional tickets because they know that a statistically certain number of passengers will not show up for each flight. If everyone unexpectedly shows up, some passengers may be denied boarding. A similar situation occurs in hotels—a problem arises when an extra guest arrives, even if all rooms are occupied.
When does overbooking occur?
The most common cases of overbooking are:
- During peak season (summer, holidays, events)
- When there are a large number of bookings during discount campaigns
- On flights to popular destinations
- In cities hosting major conferences and events
These factors increase the risk of overbooking and can disrupt travelers' plans.
Passenger Rights in the Event of Overbooking:
In many countries, particularly in the European Union, passenger rights to overbooking are protected by law. If a passenger is denied boarding, they may be entitled to:
- An alternative flight or a refund
- Financial compensation
- Meals, beverages, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation
- In the event of overbooking, the hotel is also obligated to provide the customer with an alternative hotel of the same or higher standard.
How to protect yourself from overbooking?
To reduce the risk of overbooking:
- Check in early
- Use online check-in
- Choose reputable airlines and hotels
- Keep your booking confirmation
These steps will reduce the likelihood of overbooking issues.
Conclusion
What is overbooking? While it is a means of optimizing revenue for companies, it can also create stress and additional costs for passengers. Therefore, being aware of overbooking, knowing your rights, and taking precautions in advance will make your trip safer and more comfortable.
