redtop43

If you volunteer on a red-eye, will AA usually throw in a hotel?

travelingbob

In my experience yes, plus meal vouchers ......It is all a negotiation at the point of accepting the bump.

lobo411

Don't assume anything...ask and confirm before accepting.

redtop43

I was aware of that but thanks. If I had been more careful how I worded my initial post, I would have said "If you ask for a hotel in addition, will they usually agree?"

I frequently fly LAS-PHL redeyes. Last time when I got to the gate they had upgraded me because they were short 3 seats (+5 in F but -8 in Y). But I'd usually rather have a voucher. I didn't know because I usually stay in the Amex lounge until 20 min before departure.

Antarius

is that an option? Declining a upgraded class of travel for a voucher?

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

Antarius

that was my thoughts too.

redtop43

That's not what I was implying.

Had I gone to the gate or been aware of the oversold situation at check-in, I would have tried for a voucher.

When I arrived at the gate 20 min before departure, with boarding mostly completed, they were calling my name and gave me the upgraded boarding pass.

Since I'm retired, I usually don't have a burning need to get home quickly. If you gave me a free hotel, an amenity kit, and $50 for Ubers to get around, I'd be happy to stay for another day. They won't give me Ubers but they'll give me far more in a voucher. So it's a trivial decision for me to stay if the option arises. But if I had to pay for a hotel, particularly if it's a Friday night (Vegas hotels are much more expensive on weekends) I'd go home.

Often1

While AA generally provides for hotels and food between the original flight and the newly-scheduled flight (unless you have asked for something later than necessary), it is always the case that with VDB, nothing is certain until you have it in hand. If you are not clearly told that a hotel is included, just ask. The worst you get is a "no".

I doubt that it would have mattered had you been at the gate earlier. With F5 availability, AA would have upgraded 5 pax before paying VDB to anyone and having 3 people no show on an xLAS red eye is common.