Obviously a refund, but I am not sure that one would be due compensation in such a case. If one paid $25, or whatever the going rate is, for a seat toward the front of the plane, and had to be bumped to a seat at the back of the plane for whatever reason, then one should have the $25 refunded, but I can't see him/her being entitled to anything else.

I know that most people here assume that they deserve compensation if the crossword puzzle in the airline magazine is already filled in, or if they get a slice of lime with their gin and tonic after requesting a slice of lemon, or if the passenger seated next to them has bad breadth.

But do airlines routinely give compensation for being bumped from a "preferred" economy seat?