Jan 3, 2018, 12:29 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Previous thread -
Voluntary Denied Boarding - VDB/Bump on UA [2017]
Voluntary Denied Boarding - VDB/Bump on UA [2016]
Voluntary Denied Boarding - VDB/Bump on UA [2015]
Related thread - Is this IDB? Am I entitled to IDB compensation? [Consolidated]
VDB -- Voluntary Denied Boarding -- is when the flight is overbooked and the airline is looking for volunteers to change their travel plans. It is voluntary and you do not need to participate. The compensation is 100% negotiable. It could be $100's in future travel vouchers, it might be food vouchers, a different routing (perhaps more direct or for MR's more indirect
), perhaps lodging if overnight and sometimes a bump in cabin. It all depends on how desperate the airline is and how flexible you are.
The standard UA policy is after you have agreed to a voucher amount and additional VDBs are still needed, if those passengers get a higher amount, you will also get the higher amount.
The are no DoT requirement for VDB compensation, it is whatever you and the airline agree to. The DoT does require the airline to try VDB before moving to IDB.
Voluntary Denied Boarding - VDB/Bump on UA [2017]
Voluntary Denied Boarding - VDB/Bump on UA [2016]
Voluntary Denied Boarding - VDB/Bump on UA [2015]
Related thread - Is this IDB? Am I entitled to IDB compensation? [Consolidated]
VDB -- Voluntary Denied Boarding -- is when the flight is overbooked and the airline is looking for volunteers to change their travel plans. It is voluntary and you do not need to participate. The compensation is 100% negotiable. It could be $100's in future travel vouchers, it might be food vouchers, a different routing (perhaps more direct or for MR's more indirect
), perhaps lodging if overnight and sometimes a bump in cabin. It all depends on how desperate the airline is and how flexible you are.The standard UA policy is after you have agreed to a voucher amount and additional VDBs are still needed, if those passengers get a higher amount, you will also get the higher amount.
The are no DoT requirement for VDB compensation, it is whatever you and the airline agree to. The DoT does require the airline to try VDB before moving to IDB.
The changing story of IDB on UA since the merge and post-Dao
source: BTS Data
source: BTS Data
Code:
IDB/VDB data for UA (w/o UX) 1st Qtr Year VDB IDB 2018 8,214 27 2017 15,917 900 2016 14,380 929 2015 17,373 1,817 2014 21,469 4,395 2013 14,095 2,592 IDB/VDB data for UA (w/ UX) 1st Qtr Year VDB IDB 2018 16,973 51
Voluntary Denied Boarding - VDB/Bump Experiences on UA [2018]
Dec 25, 2018, 10:17 pm
#511
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SLC
Programs: United Gold, Hilton Silver, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 768
Two out of my three flights yesterday were listed as FULL/FULL and seeking volunteers in the app with $800 or $900 being the starting offer, but both flights ended up going out with zero empty seats and zero at-gate VDB. The first flight had no one left on standby and the second flight had one unlucky person who didn't clear.
I've now seen the old or new in-app VDB screen about 10 times in the past ~6 months but none of the flights ended up needing volunteers at the gate. Not sure if load management is just that good at their jobs or if they're calling people based on the in-app submissions. (Has anyone here gotten such a call? I don't recall any recent comments to that effect.)
I've now seen the old or new in-app VDB screen about 10 times in the past ~6 months but none of the flights ended up needing volunteers at the gate. Not sure if load management is just that good at their jobs or if they're calling people based on the in-app submissions. (Has anyone here gotten such a call? I don't recall any recent comments to that effect.)
Dec 25, 2018, 10:54 pm
#512
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Spire, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,009
My wife has received such a call. She volunteered at on-line check-in, and received a call a couple of hours later asking if she was still interested. They put her on an alternate flight right then, without waiting for the flight. This allowed her to get her VDB money, and have plenty of time to make alternate arrangements for the new flight time. I suspect some of the times where it looks like they didn't need anyone, the reality was that they proactively handled it. By the way, she low-balled the offer below the starting recommended amount.
In no particular order, I assume such calls would be targeted toward people who aren't already at the airport, hadn't checked bags, had submitted the lowest bid, and have no or low status.
Dec 25, 2018, 11:10 pm
#513
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
They really are that good at their jobs. They've also set the total load limits a lot lower than they were a few years ago. Of course, that generally means fewer discounted seats and average higher fares, but at least the "greedy airlines" aren't "selling your seat."
Dec 26, 2018, 1:21 am
#514
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicago, USA
Programs: TK Elite ...and blue, lots of blue...
Posts: 746
On UA 972 ORD-BRU on Saturday 12/22/2018: on check-in on the app was asked to VDB for $400/$500/$600.
The flight was full with 8 or so on standby. After boarding, Customer Service comes on the speaker asking 4 pax in Business to give up their seats because of an "Operational Issue". Turned out they needed the seats for crew . They immediately offered $5000 in travel credit. Not a word about an alternative flight. Nobody moves. A minute later they ask 4 volunteers in eco to give up their seat and 4 in business to move to eco. Again $5000 each. They find volunteers in eco quite fast but not in business. Customer Service makes it clear that the flight will not take off unless people deboard. Flight delayed by 30 mins. Offer goes up to $8000 then $10.000. Then they suddenly have too many volunteers. They did say something like "come to the front so we can arrange your flight" which seems to indicate that they did offer an alternative flight.
The ambiance in the cabin was special, many people didn't believe/understand what was happening.
One of the flight attendants walks through the cabin angrily uttering "this company gives everything away, nothing left for us".
Suprised that they didn't bother offering a lower amount first.
The flight was full with 8 or so on standby. After boarding, Customer Service comes on the speaker asking 4 pax in Business to give up their seats because of an "Operational Issue". Turned out they needed the seats for crew . They immediately offered $5000 in travel credit. Not a word about an alternative flight. Nobody moves. A minute later they ask 4 volunteers in eco to give up their seat and 4 in business to move to eco. Again $5000 each. They find volunteers in eco quite fast but not in business. Customer Service makes it clear that the flight will not take off unless people deboard. Flight delayed by 30 mins. Offer goes up to $8000 then $10.000. Then they suddenly have too many volunteers. They did say something like "come to the front so we can arrange your flight" which seems to indicate that they did offer an alternative flight.
The ambiance in the cabin was special, many people didn't believe/understand what was happening.
One of the flight attendants walks through the cabin angrily uttering "this company gives everything away, nothing left for us".
Suprised that they didn't bother offering a lower amount first.
Dec 26, 2018, 3:13 am
#515
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
On UA 972 ORD-BRU on Saturday 12/22/2018: on check-in on the app was asked to VDB for $400/$500/$600.
The flight was full with 8 or so on standby. After boarding, Customer Service comes on the speaker asking 4 pax in Business to give up their seats because of an "Operational Issue". Turned out they needed the seats for crew . They immediately offered $5000 in travel credit. Not a word about an alternative flight. Nobody moves. A minute later they ask 4 volunteers in eco to give up their seat and 4 in business to move to eco. Again $5000 each. They find volunteers in eco quite fast but not in business. Customer Service makes it clear that the flight will not take off unless people deboard. Flight delayed by 30 mins. Offer goes up to $8000 then $10.000. Then they suddenly have too many volunteers. They did say something like "come to the front so we can arrange your flight" which seems to indicate that they did offer an alternative flight.
The ambiance in the cabin was special, many people didn't believe/understand what was happening.
One of the flight attendants walks through the cabin angrily uttering "this company gives everything away, nothing left for us".
Suprised that they didn't bother offering a lower amount first.
The flight was full with 8 or so on standby. After boarding, Customer Service comes on the speaker asking 4 pax in Business to give up their seats because of an "Operational Issue". Turned out they needed the seats for crew . They immediately offered $5000 in travel credit. Not a word about an alternative flight. Nobody moves. A minute later they ask 4 volunteers in eco to give up their seat and 4 in business to move to eco. Again $5000 each. They find volunteers in eco quite fast but not in business. Customer Service makes it clear that the flight will not take off unless people deboard. Flight delayed by 30 mins. Offer goes up to $8000 then $10.000. Then they suddenly have too many volunteers. They did say something like "come to the front so we can arrange your flight" which seems to indicate that they did offer an alternative flight.
The ambiance in the cabin was special, many people didn't believe/understand what was happening.
One of the flight attendants walks through the cabin angrily uttering "this company gives everything away, nothing left for us".
Suprised that they didn't bother offering a lower amount first.
Dec 26, 2018, 9:15 am
#516
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SLC
Programs: United Gold, Hilton Silver, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 768
Interesting. Does your wife have status? Did she check in at or near T-24 or much later?
In no particular order, I assume such calls would be targeted toward people who aren't already at the airport, hadn't checked bags, had submitted the lowest bid, and have no or low status.
In no particular order, I assume such calls would be targeted toward people who aren't already at the airport, hadn't checked bags, had submitted the lowest bid, and have no or low status.
Dec 26, 2018, 9:56 am
#517
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Spire, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,009
Interesting; thanks. From a business standpoint, it would make sense to try to give vouchers to people who fly infrequently, but that probably takes a backseat to VDBing people who aren't at the airport and will do it for the lowest voucher amount, as with your wife in this example.
Dec 26, 2018, 2:00 pm
#518
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ORD
Posts: 435
Flight tomorrow 12/27
I have four seats (same record locator) on a direct flight tomorrow. It's a domestic flight. I was prompted at check-in to submit an offer to united to take another flight. Original tickets are A fare.
Both flights offered the next day with a connection. Did not mention the class of service. Should I assume these are A fares as well with seat assignments?
In any case, I'm well aware I should not give up my boarding pass until compensation and new tickets are in hand. Maybe I will get lucky and they will call me before we go to the airport. Aside from it being uncommon for United to call in advance, I think the fact that I have four tickets makes them less likely to call me.
Anything else I should be thinking about?
Both flights offered the next day with a connection. Did not mention the class of service. Should I assume these are A fares as well with seat assignments?
In any case, I'm well aware I should not give up my boarding pass until compensation and new tickets are in hand. Maybe I will get lucky and they will call me before we go to the airport. Aside from it being uncommon for United to call in advance, I think the fact that I have four tickets makes them less likely to call me.
Anything else I should be thinking about?
Dec 26, 2018, 4:04 pm
#519
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
I have four seats (same record locator) on a direct flight tomorrow. It's a domestic flight. I was prompted at check-in to submit an offer to united to take another flight. Original tickets are A fare.
Both flights offered the next day with a connection. Did not mention the class of service. Should I assume these are A fares as well with seat assignments?
In any case, I'm well aware I should not give up my boarding pass until compensation and new tickets are in hand. Maybe I will get lucky and they will call me before we go to the airport. Aside from it being uncommon for United to call in advance, I think the fact that I have four tickets makes them less likely to call me.
Anything else I should be thinking about?
Both flights offered the next day with a connection. Did not mention the class of service. Should I assume these are A fares as well with seat assignments?
In any case, I'm well aware I should not give up my boarding pass until compensation and new tickets are in hand. Maybe I will get lucky and they will call me before we go to the airport. Aside from it being uncommon for United to call in advance, I think the fact that I have four tickets makes them less likely to call me.
Anything else I should be thinking about?
Dec 27, 2018, 9:20 am
#520
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Looking for a possible VDB today on UA1899 IAH-ORD. Over by 4 or 5 at the moment and min bid is $800. Not many options currently to get to my destination unfortunately. Will report back with the outcome.
Dec 27, 2018, 11:09 am
#521
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,852
Dec 27, 2018, 11:37 am
#522
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: Amex Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold, Carlson Gold, CM Presidential / *A Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 1,648
...Customer Service comes on the speaker asking 4 pax in Business to give up their seats...A minute later they ask 4 volunteers in eco to give up their seat and 4 in business to move to eco. Again $5000 each. They find volunteers in eco quite fast but not in business...Offer goes up to $8000 then $10.000. Then they suddenly have too many volunteers
Would the economy passengers also been entitled to $10K each as that ended up being the highest amount awarded??
Dec 27, 2018, 1:26 pm
#523
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Dec 27, 2018, 1:27 pm
#524
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Dec 29, 2018, 2:40 pm
#525
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicago, USA
Programs: TK Elite ...and blue, lots of blue...
Posts: 746
They first found 4 volunteers from Y giving up the seat at $5000. Then they continued the search for 4 Z passengers willing to move to Y. Different offer imo. I'm not aware of a rule that says everyone should get the same.