Originally Posted by
CMK10
Checked in at IAH yesterday for IAH-ATL-RDU. The machine said ATL-RDU was oversold, I put in a bid of $200. I got to ATL, went to the SC, then got to the gate 5 minutes before boarding. I asked if they still needed me and they said they'd made their own announcement for volunteers. Kind of makes you wonder what the point of bidding at the machine is.
As it was they took one person that they made an announcement for on the plane. Not sure how much she got.
Depends on what time you got to the counter before boarding started. If they know they are oversold, they usually prefer to secure VDBs sooner (e.g. 30min before boarding) to avoid last minute shuffles.
Earlier you get to the gate and confirm with the GA know you are willing to VDB, they are more likely to bypass the list to give it to you since you are already waiting near the counter. It's less work for them.