Lessons from United: What to do when you're on an overbooked flight

Getting bumped from a flight is a huge inconvenience. Fliers have few rights in these situations, but there are some protections. And there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.

Lower the Chances of Getting Bumped

There are steps you can take to lessen your chances of getting bumped from a flight. It’s not absolute. All you can do is make yourself less of a target than other passengers.

1. Book a seat assignment. Not having a seat assignment, even a middle seat, means you may end up in the nomad category—waiting for a seat to open up. You’re at