Originally Posted by
cmn.jcs
Well, the exact number is going to be trade data (or whatever that term is). I very seriously doubt you will easily and regularly be able to find the precise number of actual seats still available.
Since no-shows are common, the actual number would not be terribly important.
If one cares about getting a seat on a flight, the important thing is to have a ticket. Having an assigned seat also helps. Info about overbooking is most useful if one
wants to be bumped.
I do recall hearing/reading that airlines in the US are required to tell you if a flight is oversold or not. I have no idea if this is true.