What is Overbook? What to Do in Case of Overbooking?

Overbooking is a term that means "excessive reservation" in Turkish. In this case, airlines sell more tickets than the number of seats they have. Basically, it means booking more than the capacity of the service offered.

Why Do Airlines Do Overbooking?

Airlines often overbook in case passengers cancel their trips at the last minute. For example, they might sell 105 tickets for a 100-seat plane. Usually not all passengers come to the flight and thus there are no empty seats.

What Happens If You Have an Overbooking Problem?

However, when all passengers arrive for the flight, the overbooking problem arises. In this case, the airline tries to redirect volunteer passengers to the next flight. Volunteer passengers are often offered benefits such as a better seat on the next flight, a discount coupon or a free ticket.
If there are not enough volunteer passengers, the airline may transfer some of the passengers to the next flight. In this case, the aggrieved passengers are provided with needs such as food, drinks and accommodation, and are usually offered a better seat on the next flight or compensation.

Passenger Rights Regarding Overbooking

There are regulations regarding passenger rights in the European Union and many countries. Within the scope of these regulations, passengers have some rights in case of overbooking. These rights may vary depending on the legislation of the country in which the airline has its registered office, but generally include:

• Transfer to the next flight and the right to a better seat or compensation on that flight
• Covering expenses caused by delay (hotel, food, etc.)
• Even if the passenger does not accept the next flight, he is entitled to compensation.

What is Overbooking Compensation?

Overbooking compensation is the compensation paid to passengers when airlines sell tickets even though there are not enough seats on the plane, and therefore some passengers are detained from the flight.

Right to Compensation:

In the European Union and many countries, a certain amount of compensation must be paid to passengers in case of overbooking.
The amount of compensation varies depending on flight distance and delay time.
For example, overbooking compensation is paid between 100 Euros and 600 Euros, depending on flight distance and lateness.

To Receive Compensation:

• You must document that you were detained from the flight.
• If you did not accept the alternative flight offered to you by the airline or if this flight was delayed for more than 4 hours, you are entitled to compensation.
• You must submit your compensation request to the airline in writing.
• If the airline denies your claim for compensation, you can file a lawsuit.

What Should Be Done to Avoid Overbooking Problems?

• Early Ticketing: Get your ticket as early as possible. Those who buy tickets in advance are generally less affected by overbooking.
• Express Check-in: Complete check-in as quickly as possible. Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight. You can check in early online via Bilet.com. Passengers who check in online and get to the airport early are less likely to be detained from the flight.
• Flexible Travel Plan: Keep your travel plan flexible if possible. If your flight is canceled or delayed, you can more easily adapt to alternative flights.
• Passenger Rights: Know your passenger rights. Find out what rights you have in case of overbooking and what compensation you can claim.
• Insurance: Having travel insurance can ensure that you receive compensation in cases such as overbooking. Travel insurance policies often include overbooking compensation coverage. Before taking out insurance, it is important to read the terms of the policy carefully and check the coverage regarding overbooking compensation.