In my experience, the best way to get a bump is to have an alternate plan ready. In fact, if I have time, I will usually go to Travelocity and look up (and print) a couple of other acceptable routes both on the airline I am flying and on a different one.

If it is an airport that has some other options close by, I even create an itinerary from there. Usually "bump time" is chaotic and if you are armed with all this information (as well as pleasant about it) you will look like a saint to the agent, and will generally "get picked."

It's a great way to fund some leisure travel! It also comes in handy when your flight is cancelled and everyone is scrambling to rebook.

I don't know if status "helps" you get on the bump list, but I am confident these tips will make you a "platinum bumpee!"

[This message has been edited by eastwest (edited 02-05-2001).]