“Bumping” has never been as prevalent on NW as it has been on other carriers. And from my observation, the amount of bumping on so-called “business” flights hasn’t changed much in over a decade whereas the amount on “leisure” flights has (specifically Florida). I think this can be attributed to better yield-management and more exposure to the concept of bumping. Ten years ago very few people knew what it was whereas today many get to the gate several hours in advance, begging anybody in sight to be the first on the list and pleading with crappy stories (…but I’m a poor college student living in Arizona and my boyfriend lives in Baltimore!). In November, an 80-year-old man threw a spectacle that I had stepped out of line & should lose my place (I did for one second to pick up a dropped article) just so he could be first on the list – and I wasn’t even able to be bumped!

In early December, NW’s flights to MCO were showing as 4x320 from MSP and 6x320+1xD9S from DTW. Now those flights are operating as 7x from each hub with mostly 757 and 753 equipment. A pretty sharp schedule change in a short time period, probably based upon bookings. NW’s scheduling 4x320 and 7xmostly D9S/320 from MSP & DTW into MCO again this summer so far… I guarantee this will change as it moves closer to the departure date (it always does).

Some FT have reported receiving phone calls from NW asking to change their flight schedule into one more suitable in exchange for the better time/flight + something like 1,000 miles. Some have reported receiving large cash vouchers, which I seriously doubt. One person, for example, reported receiving one for switching off a DTW flight on 12/23… which departed only 1/4 full due to weather.

But compensation is often inflated on FT . Last month CO was offering $200 + a first-class upgrade for a bump from a 6AM flight to a red-eye on LAX-CLE. The GA made it very clear that at that point, a hotel room would not be provided. 5 minutes later he announced he had more than enough volunteers. Well, a FT listed being bumped off that flight & receiving a $400 voucher + meals & hotel! That GA must've gotten really desperate in the final seconds...