Traveling on a nonstop from MSY to SFO a couple of days ago, I did an SDC at OLCI to a connection in EWR (for the miles), and immediately received a message that the MSY-EWR flight was looking for volunteers. I thought it odd that I could SDC onto a potentially oversold flight, but whatever, I chose to place myself on the VDB list - the offer at OLCI was $200. At the airport kiosk I had to reprint my boarding pass and again volunteered to be bumped, this time the offer was $400. When I got to the gate the agent called my name and offered to connect me via IAH. She said because the new proposed itn got me into SFO earlier I'm not entitled to any compensation. I also wasn't allowed to choose alternate flights. I declined. Are these restrictions the new VDB policy, or has it always been like this? I've volunteered many times but have never actually been bumped.
In the end the gate agent came on board the plane soliciting volunteers several times after boarding completed, the offer went from $200 to $400 to $500. I think someone in FC took the offer, because just before doors closed the agent came to my E+ seat and asked me to move to 1A.