Apr 14, 2017, 3:14 pm
Last edit by: canadiancow
This wiki thread is devoted to the topic of what to do when Denied Boarding, the Compensation provided, and general experiences of those who were Denied Boarding.
If applicable, please post your Denied Boarding experiences as per the below list:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31305207-post171.html
For those IDB'd/VDB'd, please post in this thread:
Recent Example Denied Boarding Compensation form/card/"receipt":
Restrictions:
1. Can only be used over the phone
2. Only applies to base fares (not YQ, not taxes/fees)
3. Can be used to book a ticket in anyone's name
4. Can be used multiple times
5. Expiry date of 2 years (even though it says 1), but you can call to get it reactivated after that
Required amounts as dictated by the Government of Canada:
Less than 6 hours: $900
6-9 hours: $1800
9+ hours: $2400
From Air Canada Customer Service FAQ
Does Air Canada overbook its flights?
Just the facts:
Yes, we do.
Behind the facts:
Airline passengers place a high value on refundable tickets (in case they can't make their flight, don't show up or decide to change travel plans). In these cases, overbooking is a means (certainly not perfect but, on the whole, pretty viable) that lets us offer refundable tickets without losing a lot of money.
In the rare circumstances (and it is rare) where you can't get on a flight due to overbooking, we offer compensation (in the form of a travel voucher or cash) and we make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination as quickly as possible.
Air Canada - General Conditions of Carriage
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...e-tariffs.html
OVERBOOKING NOTICE
Airline flights may be overbooked, and there is a slight chance that a seat will not be available on a flight for which a person has a confirmed reservation. If the flight is overbooked, no one will be denied a seat until airline personnel first ask for volunteers willing to give up their reservation in exchange for a payment of the airline's choosing. If there are not enough volunteers, the airline will deny boarding to other persons in accordance with its particular boarding priority. With few exceptions, persons denied boarding involuntarily are entitled to compensation. The complete rules for the payment of compensation and boarding priorities are available at all airport ticket counters and boarding locations.
Also included here are
UK Alternative Dispute Resolution – for UK departing flights only
and
China departing flights only
If applicable, please post your Denied Boarding experiences as per the below list:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31305207-post171.html
For those IDB'd/VDB'd, please post in this thread:
- Date of IDB/VDB
- IDB or VDB
- Compensation dollar amount
- Cash (cheque) or eMCO
- Flight # you were DB'd from
- Flight # you were placed on after being DB'd (also indicate if next day)
- Were hotel vouchers provided?
- Were food vouchers provided?
- Other
Recent Example Denied Boarding Compensation form/card/"receipt":
Restrictions:
1. Can only be used over the phone
2. Only applies to base fares (not YQ, not taxes/fees)
3. Can be used to book a ticket in anyone's name
4. Can be used multiple times
5. Expiry date of 2 years (even though it says 1), but you can call to get it reactivated after that
Required amounts as dictated by the Government of Canada:
Less than 6 hours: $900
6-9 hours: $1800
9+ hours: $2400
From Air Canada Customer Service FAQ
Does Air Canada overbook its flights?
Just the facts:
Yes, we do.
Behind the facts:
Airline passengers place a high value on refundable tickets (in case they can't make their flight, don't show up or decide to change travel plans). In these cases, overbooking is a means (certainly not perfect but, on the whole, pretty viable) that lets us offer refundable tickets without losing a lot of money.
In the rare circumstances (and it is rare) where you can't get on a flight due to overbooking, we offer compensation (in the form of a travel voucher or cash) and we make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination as quickly as possible.
Air Canada - General Conditions of Carriage
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...e-tariffs.html
OVERBOOKING NOTICE
Airline flights may be overbooked, and there is a slight chance that a seat will not be available on a flight for which a person has a confirmed reservation. If the flight is overbooked, no one will be denied a seat until airline personnel first ask for volunteers willing to give up their reservation in exchange for a payment of the airline's choosing. If there are not enough volunteers, the airline will deny boarding to other persons in accordance with its particular boarding priority. With few exceptions, persons denied boarding involuntarily are entitled to compensation. The complete rules for the payment of compensation and boarding priorities are available at all airport ticket counters and boarding locations.
Also included here are
UK Alternative Dispute Resolution – for UK departing flights only
and
China departing flights only
VDB, IDB and Compensation - Master Thread
Aug 5, 2018, 7:46 pm
#76
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
There are occasions when a flight is so overbooked that oversale is inevitable. But, 3 seats on a micro-hop such as this could disappear with one traffic jam. Carriers have no desire to, nor should they, shell out C$1,000 when there is ultimately no need and that can only be determined at the gate (for flights such as this).
People are quick to judge about what is "toooo haaard" but most of them have no clue about the business operations they criticize.
People are quick to judge about what is "toooo haaard" but most of them have no clue about the business operations they criticize.
Aug 5, 2018, 8:10 pm
#77
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
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Posts: 44,331
There are occasions when a flight is so overbooked that oversale is inevitable. But, 3 seats on a micro-hop such as this could disappear with one traffic jam. Carriers have no desire to, nor should they, shell out C$1,000 when there is ultimately no need and that can only be determined at the gate (for flights such as this).
People are quick to judge about what is "toooo haaard" but most of them have no clue about the business operations they criticize.
People are quick to judge about what is "toooo haaard" but most of them have no clue about the business operations they criticize.
But because they left it to the gate, they ended up paying out about $800 instead of waiving a SDC fee at check-in.
Aug 6, 2018, 11:19 am
#78
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC e75K, *G, SPG/MR PPE
Posts: 315
I’m surprised they’d only offer $1000 for an overnight. I just got $800 and some meal vouchers for a 5.5 hour delay from YUL-YSJ.
I’m actually surprised at how few people volunteered. That’s a decent chunk of cash for the wait.
I’m actually surprised at how few people volunteered. That’s a decent chunk of cash for the wait.
Aug 6, 2018, 11:25 am
#79
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
$800 for domestic overnight is also what I am always offered as well.
Aug 6, 2018, 8:16 pm
#80
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC e75K, *G, SPG/MR PPE
Posts: 315
I had assumed they’d revised their compensation parameters when they offered $800 last week for that relatively short delay (I did try to negotiate a higher rate, because why not). I guess my $800 was an anomaly.
Oct 3, 2018, 4:10 pm
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,068
AC 162 YEG to YYZ over by 7. Took several volunteers at $800 chèque or voucher. Rebooked on flight at 11:30 (was 7:20). Was connecting to Europe and arrival in Europe not impacted. Very good deal 
Oct 9, 2018, 12:35 am
#82
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
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Posts: 44,331
I posted about this in the YQB do thread, but for a recap and followup:
Friday, September 21, the last YYZ-YQB was over by one. A couple beat me to the podium, but they wouldn't split. I, however, was fully willing to split from my group.
I was given $800 "cash" (they mail a cheque, but the other option is a credit), a hotel and negligible meal vouchers, and my choice of flight the next day. The fact that I was in J made a big difference, as the first two flights were full in Y, but not full overall, and they would not have booked me on them had I been in Y (I witnessed an "IDB" who was only given Y options).
I was out of town and I don't know how often my roommate checked the mail, but the cheque showed up no later than Saturday, October 7 (though quite possibly earlier).
Under two weeks seems standard for me on ex-Canada flights, with the cheque mailed to SFO.
Friday, September 21, the last YYZ-YQB was over by one. A couple beat me to the podium, but they wouldn't split. I, however, was fully willing to split from my group.
I was given $800 "cash" (they mail a cheque, but the other option is a credit), a hotel and negligible meal vouchers, and my choice of flight the next day. The fact that I was in J made a big difference, as the first two flights were full in Y, but not full overall, and they would not have booked me on them had I been in Y (I witnessed an "IDB" who was only given Y options).
I was out of town and I don't know how often my roommate checked the mail, but the cheque showed up no later than Saturday, October 7 (though quite possibly earlier).
Under two weeks seems standard for me on ex-Canada flights, with the cheque mailed to SFO.
Oct 9, 2018, 10:15 pm
#83
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
I posted about this in the YQB do thread, but for a recap and followup:
Friday, September 21, the last YYZ-YQB was over by one. A couple beat me to the podium, but they wouldn't split. I, however, was fully willing to split from my group.
I was given $800 "cash" (they mail a cheque, but the other option is a credit), a hotel and negligible meal vouchers, and my choice of flight the next day. The fact that I was in J made a big difference, as the first two flights were full in Y, but not full overall, and they would not have booked me on them had I been in Y (I witnessed an "IDB" who was only given Y options).
I was out of town and I don't know how often my roommate checked the mail, but the cheque showed up no later than Saturday, October 7 (though quite possibly earlier).
Under two weeks seems standard for me on ex-Canada flights, with the cheque mailed to SFO.
Friday, September 21, the last YYZ-YQB was over by one. A couple beat me to the podium, but they wouldn't split. I, however, was fully willing to split from my group.
I was given $800 "cash" (they mail a cheque, but the other option is a credit), a hotel and negligible meal vouchers, and my choice of flight the next day. The fact that I was in J made a big difference, as the first two flights were full in Y, but not full overall, and they would not have booked me on them had I been in Y (I witnessed an "IDB" who was only given Y options).
I was out of town and I don't know how often my roommate checked the mail, but the cheque showed up no later than Saturday, October 7 (though quite possibly earlier).
Under two weeks seems standard for me on ex-Canada flights, with the cheque mailed to SFO.
Dec 14, 2018, 2:38 am
#84
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYT
Programs: AC*E50K
Posts: 91
VDB Oversell Lost
Hey. Accepted VDB for oversell this morning, was told $400 comp. Was offloaded but then called back and put back on original flight.
should i still receive the VDB payment? Lost original seat assignments so i was removed from flight.
thoughts, please
thank you
should i still receive the VDB payment? Lost original seat assignments so i was removed from flight.
thoughts, please
thank you
Dec 14, 2018, 6:50 am
#85
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,774
If you got back on the flight, no VDB compensation is due as you weren't denied boarding (ultimately).
For the lost seat assignment, you could write in to customer relations and maybe get a 10% off code or something like that as compensation. If you had paid a fee to select the seat, they should also refund that fee.
For the lost seat assignment, you could write in to customer relations and maybe get a 10% off code or something like that as compensation. If you had paid a fee to select the seat, they should also refund that fee.
Dec 14, 2018, 9:52 am
#86
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Programs: AC SE100K, F9 100k, NK Gold, UA *S, Hyatt Glob, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 5,195
you had 400 reasons ($) to do VACATE the gate area after you received the compensation. or to hurry up and spend the voucher online.
sounds like the agent took you off the flight but moved your status to standby. not only did you give up your seat # but also your boarding priority, your best chance for bin space, etc.
//Not specific to AC but I've had some airline agents put me back on standby just in case. I think if I end up clearing AND keep voucher due to no-shows it looks bad on them for jumping the gun and issuing compensation before final boarding was done. When I am asked for the voucher back I have been able to politely refuse saying I was trying to help them and already gave up x, y, and z.
sounds like the agent took you off the flight but moved your status to standby. not only did you give up your seat # but also your boarding priority, your best chance for bin space, etc.
//Not specific to AC but I've had some airline agents put me back on standby just in case. I think if I end up clearing AND keep voucher due to no-shows it looks bad on them for jumping the gun and issuing compensation before final boarding was done. When I am asked for the voucher back I have been able to politely refuse saying I was trying to help them and already gave up x, y, and z.
Dec 14, 2018, 10:00 am
#87
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYC / random hotel in YYZ
Programs: Back of the bus
Posts: 922
you had 400 reasons ($) to do VACATE the gate area after you received the compensation. or to hurry up and spend the voucher online.
sounds like the agent took you off the flight but moved your status to standby. not only did you give up your seat # but also your boarding priority, your best chance for bin space, etc.
//Not specific to AC but I've had some airline agents put me back on standby just in case. I think if I end up clearing AND keep voucher due to no-shows it looks bad on them for jumping the gun and issuing compensation before final boarding was done. When I am asked for the voucher back I have been able to politely refuse saying I was trying to help them and already gave up x, y, and z.
sounds like the agent took you off the flight but moved your status to standby. not only did you give up your seat # but also your boarding priority, your best chance for bin space, etc.
//Not specific to AC but I've had some airline agents put me back on standby just in case. I think if I end up clearing AND keep voucher due to no-shows it looks bad on them for jumping the gun and issuing compensation before final boarding was done. When I am asked for the voucher back I have been able to politely refuse saying I was trying to help them and already gave up x, y, and z.
But yeah, crappy.
Dec 14, 2018, 12:15 pm
#88
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYT
Programs: AC*E50K
Posts: 91
you had 400 reasons ($) to do VACATE the gate area after you received the compensation. or to hurry up and spend the voucher online.
sounds like the agent took you off the flight but moved your status to standby. not only did you give up your seat # but also your boarding priority, your best chance for bin space, etc.
//Not specific to AC but I've had some airline agents put me back on standby just in case. I think if I end up clearing AND keep voucher due to no-shows it looks bad on them for jumping the gun and issuing compensation before final boarding was done. When I am asked for the voucher back I have been able to politely refuse saying I was trying to help them and already gave up x, y, and z.
sounds like the agent took you off the flight but moved your status to standby. not only did you give up your seat # but also your boarding priority, your best chance for bin space, etc.
//Not specific to AC but I've had some airline agents put me back on standby just in case. I think if I end up clearing AND keep voucher due to no-shows it looks bad on them for jumping the gun and issuing compensation before final boarding was done. When I am asked for the voucher back I have been able to politely refuse saying I was trying to help them and already gave up x, y, and z.
Dec 14, 2018, 12:16 pm
#89
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYT
Programs: AC*E50K
Posts: 91
This is why most AC agents don't even touch the vouchers and accomodations until after the gate / flight is closed. I've had this happen to me before which is why when I volunteer I have them pull me from the flight right away and rebook me and then sort the credit once the flight is closed. Since they've already committed and moved me flights, they can't back out on the voucher.
But yeah, crappy.
But yeah, crappy.
Dec 14, 2018, 12:56 pm
#90
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I don't understand why they'd take your seat before they know they need it.
Every time I've VDB'd, they haven't offloaded me until they were printing the voucher.
Every time I've VDB'd, they haven't offloaded me until they were printing the voucher.