requesing $ certs instead of VDB?
 

I recently volunteered my seat on an extremely overbooked flight, and was offered a VDB. I asked for certs instead of the VDB. The first agent didn't seem to know how to give certs instead of VDB and asked colleague if they could do that. The second agent informed me they only give certs for double the amount paid for the original ticket. I was on a cheap MR fare, so I went with the VDB. I'm just wondering whether the agent didn't want to offer me the $ certs and was feeding me a line, or whether this is actual policy?
Insight appreciated.

Feeding you a line? No...but if they can get someone else to volunteer for much less, isn't it in their interest to do that?

It seems to have become UA policy to offer the DBCFREE certs first and play hardball on the vouchers until it is really necessary. That said, it really varies station to station and flight to flight. If you have a massively oversold flight that is almost certain to lead to cash payouts, they are likely to offer vouchers right away, though some people will still take the free ticket (I don't know why). If the flight is only slightly oversold, you are likely to be stuck with the DBCFREE and hoping that they rebook you into a full-fare class for the extra EQMs.

"Double the fare" is what they pay out in cash for IDBs. Sounds like the agent was a bit confused.

Also remember that if one person negotiates a higher deal, everyone is entitled to that deal even if they've already agreed to something less.

thank y'all for the feedback