People do get bumped on an overbooked flight in some cases.
People who get bumped on an overbooked flight are people that have checked in last, people who have purchased low fare economy tickets, or if there are a lack of assigned seats and people who are traveling alone or have no airline loyalty status.
These people are the first to be involuntarily bumped on an overbooked flight.
And people with elite status or people in premium cabins are also generally given priority to keep their seats.
On an overbooked flight, airlines will first ask for volunteers to give up their seat for compensation.
And the airline will also offer incentives like a cash, travel vouchers or flight upgrades, to passengers that are willing to give up their seat and take a later flight.
If there are not enough volunteers, the airline will also select passengers for denied boarding based on predetermined criteria.
Factors that can determine who gets bumped on an overbooked flight include check in time, fare class, loyalty status, seat assignments, travel companions and special categories.
Passengers that are in premium cabins, first business, unaccompanied minors and those require special assistance are often protected from being involuntarily bumped.
And solo travelers are often easier to rebook, making them more likely to be bumped than those traveling with families.
Elite frequent flyer members and loyalty program members are less likely to be bumped.
And passengers with lower fare tickets, like basic economy are often prioritized for bumping over those who paid higher fares and passengers who checked in late are also more likely to be bumped.