Top Airlines Most Likely to Deny Boarding Revealed

Top Airlines Most Likely to Deny Boarding Revealed

Flying has become a more routine part of our lives than ever before, whether for business, leisure, or visiting loved ones. However, one significant inconvenience that can turn a travel experience sour is when you get bumped off a flight due to overbooking or other reasons. Recently, a study carried out by Upgraded Points has shed light on the airlines in the United States most likely to deny boarding to their passengers. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive into the details of this study and share some insights on how to minimize your chances of being bumped from a flight.

The Importance of Understanding Denied Boarding

Denied boarding, often termed as “being bumped,” can disrupt travel plans and create unnecessary stress. Airlines typically overbook to maximize revenue, anticipating that some passengers will not show up. However, when more passengers show up than expected, airlines are forced to bump some of them. Knowing which airlines are most likely to do this can help you make more informed decisions when booking your next flight.

Methodology of the Study

The study by Upgraded Points analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Transportation to determine which airlines have the highest rates of bumping passengers. The data overview includes both “voluntary” and “involuntary” denied boardings. Voluntary denied boardings occur when passengers volunteer to be bumped in exchange for compensation, while involuntary denied boardings happen when passengers are bumped against their will.

Key Findings: Airlines Most Likely to Deny Boarding

1. Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air tops the list when it comes to the highest rate of denied boardings. According to the study, Allegiant had a rate of 6.20 per 100,000 passengers. While the airline often touts its low-cost advantage, passengers may want to weigh the risk of being bumped when opting for this carrier.

2. Frontier Airlines

Closely following Allegiant is Frontier Airlines with a bump rate of 5.99 per 100,000 passengers. Frontier has also built its brand on offering budget-friendly flights, but similar to Allegiant, the high likelihood of denied boarding can be a significant drawback.

3. Spirit Airlines

Not far behind is Spirit Airlines, with a deny-boarding rate of 4.28 per 100,000 passengers. Known for its ultra-low-cost tickets, Spirit’s high bump rate is another factor to consider for budget-conscious travelers.

4. American Airlines

Among the major carriers, American Airlines has the highest rate of denied boardings at 2.60 per 100,000 passengers. Although American Airlines offers more extensive service options and routes, being aware of this statistic can help travelers prepare for potential bumps.

5. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines, despite its popularity and numerous customer-friendly policies, made the list with a bump rate of 2.23 per 100,000 passengers. Southwest’s extensive route network could be partially contributing to this comparatively high rate of denied boarding.

6. United Airlines

United Airlines has a denied boarding rate of 1.79 per 100,000 passengers. United has invested heavily in improving their operations and customer service in recent years, but it’s still eclipsed by competitors like Delta when it comes to bump rates.

7. Delta Air Lines

Delta has one of the lowest rates of denied boarding among the major airlines, sitting at just 0.25 per 100,000 passengers. Delta’s commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction seems to be paying off, making it a more reliable option for those worried about being bumped.

Tips to Avoid Being Bumped from a Flight

While it’s crucial to be aware of the airlines that frequently bump passengers, there are several strategies you can adopt to reduce your chances of being bumped:

• Check-in Early: One of the easiest ways to secure your seat is by checking in as early as possible. Many airlines have mechanisms in place that prioritize passengers based on their check-in time.
• Join Loyalty Programs: Airlines often give priority to their frequent flyers and loyalty program members. If you frequently fly with a particular airline, consider joining their loyalty program.
• Secure Your Seat Assignment: Having an assigned seat can reduce your likelihood of being bumped. Always opt to select your seat if the option is available.
• Avoid Peak Travel Times: Flights during peak travel times are more likely to be overbooked. Traveling during off-peak hours can reduce your risk of being bumped.
• Fly Direct: Non-stop flights are generally less prone to overbooking compared to connecting flights. If possible, opt for direct flights to your destination.

Understanding Your Rights as a Passenger

It’s also worth noting the rights you have as a passenger in the event that you are involuntarily bumped from a flight:

• Compensation: Airlines are required to compensate passengers who are involuntarily bumped. The compensation amount varies depending on the delay caused by the denied boarding.
• Alternate Arrangements: Airlines must arrange alternate transportation to your destination, either via another flight or a different mode of transport.
• Meals and Accommodation: If your new flight is the next day, airlines must provide you with meal vouchers and cover the cost of accommodation.

Conclusion

While most of us would love to avoid the inconvenience of being bumped from a flight, it is a reality that we might face during our travels. By understanding which airlines are more likely to deny boarding and learning how to minimize our chances of being bumped, we can better prepare ourselves for the unpredictable nature of air travel. Remember, knowledge is power, and being informed about the airlines’ bump rates and your passenger rights can make all the difference.

Planning your next trip with these insights in mind will help you enjoy a smoother and less stressful travel experience. Safe travels!