Frontier Airlines tops list for flight bumps in recent study

Air travel can be fraught with challenges, one of which is the risk of being bumped from a flight due to overbooking. A recent study conducted by Upgraded Points and reported by Travel + Leisure highlights that Frontier Airlines has the highest rate of involuntary bumps, with 3.21 passengers per 10,000 travelers from early 2023 to 2024. This figure is significantly higher than that of other major U.S. airlines, indicating a troubling trend for travelers choosing this low-cost carrier. American Airlines follows in second place with a bump rate of 0.6 per 10,000, while Spirit Airlines ranks third at 0.43 per 10,000 travelers. In contrast, Delta Air Lines and Allegiant Air reported no involuntary bumps during the same period, showcasing a stark difference in customer experience among airlines. The practice of overbooking is common in the airline industry, as carriers anticipate no-shows and sell more tickets than available seats. This strategy, while financially beneficial for airlines, often leads to frustrating experiences for passengers who find themselves involuntarily denied boarding. Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief of Upgraded Points, emphasized the importance of understanding which airlines are more likely to bump passengers, providing valuable insights for travelers. Interestingly, the study also revealed variations in compensation expectations among travelers. For instance, passengers in Arkansas would accept an average of $382 to be bumped, while those in California would require a significantly higher amount of $832. This disparity highlights the differing values placed on travel experiences across states, further complicating the issue of overbooking and denied boarding. Overall, the findings of this study serve as a cautionary tale for travelers, particularly those considering budget airlines like Frontier. Awareness of bumping rates and compensation expectations can help passengers make informed decisions when booking flights.