Selling more tickets than there are seats on an aircraft is seen by some as a questionable practice, even bordering on fraud.  

Unlike theatres or sports venues, which don’t sell the same seat twice, airlines often overbook flights, raising concerns about prioritizing profits at the expense of travelers.  

In one notable case, British Airways denied boarding to Megan Ridout, a Taylor Swift fan, on her flight from London Heathrow to Lyon for the Eras Tour. She eventually made it to the concert after a challenging detour through Marseille.  

In September 2024, British Airways offloaded 13 passengers from a Palma de Mallorca to London Gatwick flight. Later that month, two elderly passengers in their 80s were removed from a Heathrow-Marseille flight without receiving their entitled compensation.  

Other airlines have faced similar issues. In 2023, easyJet split a family group traveling from Liverpool to Faro, allowing only 7 out of 10 members to board as scheduled.  

However, when managed effectively, overbooking can serve a purpose. By selling extra tickets, airlines can maximize revenue, minimize empty seats, and even help passengers secure seats on flights that appear fully booked.

Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?

Unlike theatres or sports venues, airlines face unique challenges. Some passengers cancel at the last minute, miss their flights, or change their travel plans. Overbooking allows airlines to minimize empty seats and keep ticket prices competitive by offsetting potential losses.

When managed properly, overbooking can even benefit passengers by providing last-minute availability on seemingly full flights. However, when mishandled, it leads to negative experiences for travelers.

Britain’s biggest budget airline, easyJet, says: “On any given day large numbers of passengers don’t show up for their flight. Filling our planes and minimising the number of empty seats we fly is one of the ways we can reduce the price you pay for your flight.”

Real-Life Examples of Overbooking Consequences

Overbooking can occasionally result in passengers being denied boarding:

• Taylor Swift Fan Offloaded: Megan Ridout missed a direct flight with British Airways from London Heathrow to Lyon for an Eras Tour concert. She reached the gig only after a tiring journey via Marseille.
• Palma to Gatwick Incident: In September 2024, BA removed 13 passengers from a flight, sparking outrage.
• Frail Passengers Offloaded: Two elderly passengers were denied boarding on a Heathrow-Marseille flight, missing their trip and compensation.
• easyJet Family Split: In 2023, easyJet allowed only 7 out of 10 members of a family to board their flight from Liverpool to Faro.

What Can Passengers Do?

To reduce the risk of being offloaded:

• Check In Early: Early check-ins prioritize seating assignments.
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with airline compensation policies for denied boarding.
• Frequent Flyer Status: Loyalty program members are less likely to be bumped.

Conclusion

While overbooking flights may seem controversial, it’s a strategy that benefits both airlines and travelers when executed correctly. Airlines must, however, strike a balance by respecting passenger rights and improving how overbooked situations are managed to maintain trust and satisfaction.