When it comes to booking flights, one of the biggest questions travelers have is which tickets get confirmed first. With airlines overselling flights and then needing to bump passengers when the flight is full, travelers want to know how to get their ticket confirmed and avoid getting bumped off the flight. There are a few key factors that determine which tickets on an oversold flight will be confirmed first.
Fare class
One of the most important factors is the fare class associated with the ticket. Airlines have different fare classes for tickets, with full-fare first class and business class tickets typically having the highest fare class. Higher fare class tickets will get confirmed first in the case of an oversold flight. The airlines want to maximize revenue, so they will prioritize confirming higher-priced tickets over cheaper economy class tickets. Cheaper fares like basic economy have the lowest fare classes and will be the first to get bumped if a flight is oversold.
Within each cabin class, such as economy, there is still a fare class hierarchy. Full-fare economy tickets have a higher fare class than cheaper economy promo fares. Discounted economy tickets are more likely to get bumped than full fare economy when a flight is oversold, even if they are both in the main economy cabin. Fare classes are based on the rules and restrictions associated with each ticket and the amount paid. Airlines want to confirm tickets that bring in the most revenue first.
Elite frequent flyer status
Frequent flyer status is the next key factor determining ticket confirmation priority. Airlines give preference to their elite frequent flyers when it comes to oversold flight involuntary bumps. This is to reward loyalty and keep frequent flyers happy. High tier frequent flyer members, like Platinum and Diamond members, will get confirmed before lower tier members in the case of an overbooked flight. Even mid-tier frequent flyer members get higher confirmation priority than non-members on the same flight.
Within the same tier, frequent flyer members with higher activity and annual spending on the airline typically get higher priority. For example, a Platinum member who flies 100,000 miles per year on an airline will likely get confirmed before a Platinum member who only flies 25,000 miles. At each status tier, members with more loyalty get an edge.
Booking code
Every ticket has a booking code that indicates what type of fare it is. This booking code factors into the confirmation priority as well. Certain booking codes are seen as more valuable and important to the airline, so they get higher priority if a flight is oversold. For example, corporate booking codes tend to have higher priority than leisure travel booking codes for confirmation. Codes associated with business travel typically take precedence over codes for personal travel.
Additionally, booking codes linked to first class and business class fares often get priority over codes for economy fares. Airlines want to confirm and protect their premium cabins first. Even among economy booking codes, full-fare economy codes get precedence versus discounted economy codes in an oversold situation.
Time ticket was booked
The time of booking can also play a role in determining which tickets get confirmed first in oversold situations. Airlines typically give preference to tickets that were booked earlier over tickets booked later. If a flight is oversold, the tickets booked first once the flight went on sale will have an advantage over tickets booked closer to departure. However, this factor only comes into play once fare class, elite status, and booking code are the same between two tickets.
For example, if two tickets have the same fare class rules, frequent flyer status, and booking code, then the ticket booked earlier in time may get confirmed while the later booking gets bumped. But booking time is a lower priority factor than fare class, status, and booking code. A ticket booked 2 months in advance will not trump a higher class ticket booked the day before. Time of booking only decides priority between two identical tickets in class, status, and code.
Additional factors
A few other secondary factors can sway confirmation priority in oversold situations:
- One-way tickets often have lower priority than round-trip tickets.
- Non-refundable tickets may have an edge versus refundable/changeable tickets.
- Tickets booked directly through the airline sometimes get precedence over third-party bookings.
- Add-ons like seat selection and extra baggage allowance can give some small priority.
- First time flyers have lower priority than established customers.
However, these minor factors only make a difference when the major factors of fare class, status, booking code, and timing are exactly equal between two tickets. They rarely play a decisive role in bumping decisions.
Involuntary denied boarding compensation
When passengers with confirmed tickets are involuntarily denied boarding due to an oversold flight in the United States, airlines must provide compensation under US Department of Transportation rules. The level of compensation depends on the length of delay to the final destination:
- 1 to 2 hour arrival delay – 200% of one-way fare (capped at $775)
- 2 to 4 hour arrival delay – 400% of one-way fare (capped at $1,550)
- Over 4 hour arrival delay – 400% of one-way fare (no cap)
The compensation is usually provided in cash at the airport on the day of travel. The denied passenger also gets rebooked on the next flight to the destination. Airlines want to avoid paying compensation, which is why high-revenue frequent flyers get priority confirmation when flights are oversold.
Proactive steps passengers can take
While boarding priority ultimately lies with the airline, passengers do have some options to try to avoid getting bumped off oversold flights:
- Book tickets in higher fare classes if possible
- Enroll in the airline’s frequent flyer program and try to achieve elite status tiers like Silver or Gold
- Book flights as early as possible after schedules open
- Select seats or purchase add-ons like extra legroom seats at booking
- Fly direct instead of connections when possible – less chance of misconnects
- Arrive at the gate early to improve chances of getting on standby
- Ask nicely at the gate if can be accommodated – gate agents have some discretion
- Don’t check bags if concerned about getting bumped – makes rebooking easier
- Book alternatives just in case and cancel if confirmed – backups help
While oversold flights and involuntary denied boardings are still rare occurrences, being proactive helps increase the odds of avoiding getting bumped off a coveted flight.
Conclusion
Ticket confirmation priority on oversold flights boils down to revenue and loyalty. Airlines want to confirm high-revenue tickets first, as well as protect and reward their top frequent flyers. Fare class, elite status tier, booking code, and timing drive most confirmation decisions in oversold situations. By booking more expensive flexibe fares in premium cabins, achieving frequent flyer status, purchasing add-ons, and booking early, passengers can maximize their chances of avoiding getting bumped from a flight.
