Former Flight Attendant Reveals Secrets to Navigating Airline Overbooking

A former flight attendant, Akko-san, has shared essential tips on how to handle airline overbooking and even benefit from it. Overbooking occurs when airlines sell more tickets than available seats, anticipating cancellations and no-shows to maximize flight capacity. Akko-san explains that if a flight is overbooked and you need to ensure your seat, it's crucial to complete online check-in as soon as it becomes available, select your seat in advance, and check in your luggage early. For travelers with connecting flights, booking all segments with the same airline is also recommended. However, for those not in a hurry, volunteering to take a later flight due to overbooking can be advantageous. Airlines often offer compensation, such as cash or miles, to passengers who voluntarily give up their seats. This can turn a potential inconvenience into a lucrative opportunity for flexible travelers.