I was torn between starting an Voluntary Denied Boarding VDB/bump experiences on UA [2026-2027] edition thread, but since I'm not 100% sure if this is IDB or VDB... this thread won out.

It was just a few weeks ago that I read a story on OMAAT about Delta not honoring a VDB comp that they acknowledged was legitimately offered, and thought, "wow, that is truly awful". Fast forward to today, and it was my family's turn to fall victim to a VDB shell game. While nowhere near as egregious as a $15,000 con, it still stings nonetheless.

My niece and nephew were checking in for a UA flight out of ZRH this morning, when an announcement was made seeking volunteers in turn for $1,000 US dollars. They repeated the $1,000 US dollars phrasing multiple times, never mentioning "travel certificate". They went to the agent and said they would be willing to accept $2,000 US and business class seats the following day. They also specifically advised the agent to not touch their seats/reservation until it was verified that United indeed needed the seats, AND that they would accept their bid terms.

After some time passed, they were called back up to the podium. The agent said that business was a no-go, and asked if they still wanted to consider $2,000 if he could get approval. They indicated they would wait to see if the $2k payment would be approved.

After the call ended, the agent said, " OK, you're all set - I am issuing you both a $2,000 Travel Certificate". To which they immediately responded, "NO, thank you - we do not accept your revised offer. Our bid was for $2,000 dollars cash".

At this point, the agent says, "it's too late, I've already given your seats away".

Since no agreement of terms was reached (and they were very up front in stating that seats should not be touched until agreement is confirmed), I think this would fall under VDB, with applicable EC261 payment required. Yes? No? To add extra insult, only one of them received email confirmation of a travel cert being issued, and United would not return their bags for the extra overnight.

They'll be checking back in within the next few hours - any advice??

Mahalo!