Free Airplane Tickets
For those of you that are experienced travelers, getting a free ticket is probably not a big deal and you know the drill with volunteering your seat. For those of you not as familiar, listen up! Although it might seem that during these economic times most flights are not over-booked I have actually found it to be quite the opposite. I’m not going to predict that we are at the end of our current economic crisis, but it certainly seems that airlines cut back on flights and now most flights are actually over-sold.
Over-selling flights is a simple tactic used by airlines to ensure that flights are 100% full while they get additional revenue for the additional passengers who didn’t show up, missed the flight, etc. However, in some circumstances when all the passengers do show-up the airlines find themselves in a bind. They have promised more passengers seats than they have on the plane and in order to appease everyone, they often ask for volunteers to take the next available flight and in exchange for the “in-convenience” receive a free ticket voucher (this varies by airline). By getting enough volunteers, the airline is able to get everyone on the flight while those who volunteered take the next available flight.
Last week I was traveling back to Chicago from Boston and my first flight was canceled. The next flight gave me the option to volunteer to give up my seat so I took it. I waited anxiously and was then called to the podium where I received my free ticket and my ticket for the next flight. No big deal, just an additional 2 hours in the airport in exchange for a free airplane ticket to anywhere in the 48 contiguous states! What I did not expect was that my next flight also had the option to volunteer my seat. Again, 2 hours sacrificed for a free flight, that sounds like a great deal to me. I was again rewarded for my patience and received a second free flight in just 4 hours!
Here are a couple questions to make sure you ask the gate agent when you are thinking about volunteering your seat:
- What is being offered in exchange for your seat?
- What is the next flight you will be put on?
- (optional) Can I be upgraded on the next flight? Can I get access to your ‘club lounge’ while I wait?
So, for those of you who are less experienced, hopefully this gives you some information on what ‘volunteering’ your seat actually entails and for those of you that are experienced, just a quick reminder to keep your ears open! I highly recommend volunteering if you have the flexibility. A couple hours in exchange for a ~$300 ticket is well worth your time!
Who else has tips and tricks on volunteering their airplane seats?
totally agree with you, though i think you struck it lucky with only waiting for 2 hours for each free ticket. the last time i did it, i waited for another 6 hours, but i wasn’t rushing at that time (wasn’t traveling for work), so it didn’t matter to me.
good questions to ask the gate agent though when you give up your seat!
Here are some additional tips:
1) The whole interaction is negotiable. Most airlines provide gift certificates, i.e. “Delta Dollars” as opposed to free flights. Most of the time they say $300, but, will got as high as $600.
2) You can barter with or on hotel rooms and meals, if you are required to stay overnight you can push for additional money. If you already have a place to stay, you can ask for additional money in lieu.
3) After you reach a deal, ask for a couple free in-flight drink coupons to sweeten the deal.
Another trick if you are a frequent flyer when booking your trip; to not select a seat at check-in if possible. You are still “guaranteed” a seat and they are more likely to give you the coveted exit row, you will be the first asked to take the next flight for something, or they may bump you to first class. All else fails just start crying and say a family member passed away. That always gets me a free drink at least….
During heavy travel times I usually check with the gate agent to see the status of the flight I’m on and if it is over sold I have them put me on the list for willing people to be bumped. This gives me some time to check out other flights and the first to be called.