Originally Posted by anabolism
Can't speak for others, of course, but personally I choose (c) not volunteer and hope not to be bumped, so I get where I'm going when I expect to. As an EXP I've only been bumped once, and AA apologized for it later.
Bumps are not worth the effort. I am always offered one when I really absolutely have to be somewhere. A voucher is not worth the paper it is written on.
Things I have experienced on airline bumps.... 200 voucher is only good off of full fare. There is a special pool of seats more restrictive than frequent flyer seats. There were only seats left if I could find a way to catch a flight in St Louis. Once I gave up a seat on a one stop flight so someone who really wanted to go there could have my seat. They were to get me on the nonstop. They put me stand by on the nonstop. They denied that I had voluntarily given up my seat and said I "was late" on the original flight. Almost didn't get on the plane.
Never again.