If overbooking is outlawed, then:

- voluntary denied boarding will not exist; meaning no vouchers, no upgrades, no free hotels/meals possible

- fares may also be slightly higher because the airlines will be then flying with more empty seats

Is that what we want?

Anyways, for those so afraid of being bumped, some airline do not overbook. I think Jetblue doesn't. And Southwest probably doesn't either.

I have at times offered to be bumped and received some nice free airfare for my inconvenience (especially fun when flying on a free FF ticket - 2 free trips for nothing!). I just don't want to be involuntarily bumped.

In my case, eavesdropping on some of the UA gate attendants, I believe it was because UA had downsized the equipment on this flight - it coincided with their exit from bankruptcy. Probably done by looking at capacity of this flight over some weeks/months - who flies IAD to Boston on a Sunday AM - but they failed to take into consideration school vacation week and connections from warmer destinations.

My vacation is supposed to begin yesterday, but now I am here back at home, after waiting for my flight that was delayed twice and finally cancelled!!

United Airlines did not let me check in online because this is an international flight. I went to the airport early, and did get seat assignment.

UA has rescheduled me to a different flight leaving this afternoon. Hopefully I'll be able to arrive at my destination, but really unhappy about losing a whole day's vacation.

Has this happened to many of you readers? How do you cope with it? I originally had 5 days (4 nights), now down to not quite 3 days.

Do not know where you are going, but 5 days down to 3 might make me cancel completely.

If flight was delayed and then cancelled by nasty weather in MidWest yesterday - not much you or airline could do about it.

Even in tourist class, some seats have more room, some have less; some recline, some don't; some have power ports, some don't; some are in quieter areas, some in noisier; some are more exposed to odors than others; some have footroom; some don't.

Why shouldn't those of us who have some concerns about the above and are willing to go to the effort of finding a suitable seat be able to get what we want, if it is available?

amen clevelandbrown!

clevelandbrown,

If you pay coach, you get coach. if this so happens to be a seat you prefer - great. if not, you still got what you paid for.

You think you'd be unique in wanting extra legroom, away from the pooey toilets and quieter? taking these seats away from Joe Public and Ma & Pa Bucket will save a ton of arguments and level the playing field for all concerned. I would have thought a Browns fan would be use to this harsh truth?

If you're an elite or have paid a full fare, you can be more choosy.

Cosmictoadstool,

First, I am not a Cleveland Browns fan.

Second, I don't at all understand who Ma and Pa Bucket are. Relatives of yours?

I listed some of the seat differences; so if you say all seats in tourist are the same, you are ignoring reality. I should also have said that some tourist seats are wider; some are narrower, if that is important to the flyer.

All I am saying is that I prefer a system where those who have the initiative can have a chance at getting the type of seat they want, without rushing onboard ala Southwast Airlies and trying to elbow their way into a seat they prefer.

If getting status in a frequent flyer program is what it takes, well, we are all free to get that status.

i'd hate to see the fees if a low cost airline like southwest paid the reservation system for everytime someone wants a seat, or to change one. that's one of the reasons they can be a successful low cost carrier. (jet blue as well, does not give seat assignments as far as i understand) this is just one of the ways airlines keep their huge operating costs to a minimum.

No, Jet Blue offers prereserved seating.BUT, not until after you have purchased the ticket.

thanks beachboi. i travel standby, so i don't get to worry about seat assignments. i'm just lucky to get on the plane! ;-)

otto, ahhh thats right I forgot!! Do you tell people that you work for an airline?? Just curious...When my TA is on a cruise,it's hillarious what career he invents...

beachboi...yeah, i do and inevitabely they always say "so you can travel for free?" ;-) they seem to think first i'm a flight attendent though...funny, i'm only 4'10... ;-)