However, airlines can’t do this without justification.

If you get bumped from a flight, you likely have certain rights to receive compensation, for rebooking options, and at the very least, an explanation for what’s happening.

As the holiday travel season approaches (can you believe it?), here’s what you should keep in mind.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Bumping

There are different reasons you could get bumped from a flight.

Airlines might need to reduce their passenger count due to various issues, such as unexpected weight limits, switching to a smaller aircraft, or, most commonly, overselling tickets for the flight.

In these situations, airlines usually first ask for volunteers to take a later flight – this is known as voluntary bumping. If they can’t find enough volunteers, they might then take the more drastic step of forcing some passengers to miss the flight.

Your Rights if You Get Bumped

If you’re involuntarily bumped, however, your entitlements are clearly defined by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The DOT explains, “While bumping is a common practice, it’s not illegal. Airlines overbook flights to balance out expected ‘no-shows.’ Most of the time, they estimate correctly and everything goes accordingly. But sometimes, passengers end up being bumped due to overselling.”

According to the DOT, passengers who are involuntarily bumped are entitled to a written explanation as to why they cannot board and can receive compensation that can reach up to $1,550, based on the duration of the delay and whether the flight is domestic or international.

It’s important to note that there are instances when you may not qualify for compensation even if you are involuntarily bumped, as shared by aviation expert John Breyault from the National Consumer League.

The DOT has exemptions for bumping compensation in these scenarios:

• Changes in aircraft that impact passenger capacity

• Weight and balance restrictions

• Charter flights

• Flights originating from foreign locations, as different regulations apply there

Aircraft that carry fewer than 30 passengers do not qualify for bumping compensation. Additionally, if you are downgraded to a lower service class, you’re only entitled to a refund of the fare difference.

If you do qualify for compensation, airlines must provide it on the same day you are bumped, Breyault stated.

How Frequent Are Bumping Incidents?

The Department of Transportation’s figures show that involuntary bumping is quite rare.

In fact, during the months of April to June of this year, only 0.33 passengers per 10,000 were bumped involuntarily across the ten largest airlines in the U.S.

Frontier Airlines, which had the highest rate of involuntary bumping compared to other major U.S. airlines, still only bumped 3.43 passengers per 10,000 during that same timeframe.

“For most travelers, whether voluntary or involuntary, being bumped is a very unlikely situation,” Breyault said. “Your likelihood of encountering this scenario is quite minimal.”

However, he cautioned that certain factors could slightly increase your chances of being bumped.

“If you lack status on the airline, haven’t purchased a business class seat, or are traveling alone, different carriers may have various criteria for which passengers are bumped involuntarily,” he noted. “So, if you find yourself in those categories—like not having status, and booking the cheapest fare—it could affect your bumping risk more than for a frequent flier with that airline.”

What Can You Do?

If you do find yourself bumped from a flight, your options may be limited, but you can take some steps to minimize your risk.

“Definitely, I recommend filing a complaint on the DOT’s website,” Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, which assists passengers in claiming compensation owed by airlines, told me. “If we expect proper treatment as consumers, we need to voice our concerns when airline services are lacking.”

Napoli also suggested that if you have some flexibility in your schedule, consider padding your travel times to mitigate potential inconveniences.

Travelers can alleviate the anxiety of potential flight cancellations by adjusting their travel schedules.

“If you’re able to leave a day sooner or return a day later, it can really help,” he stated.

The Department of Transportation is also exploring new regulations that would enhance compensation for passengers during flight disruptions, mirroring what is already mandated in Europe.

“Secretary Buttigieg has emphasized the significance of passenger rights,” Napoli noted.