Good news for people who get bumped from a flight starting next month. The Department of Transportation has increased the amount of money airlines must pay to passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding:

“The Department today finalized changes to its so-called bumping rule, which doubles the limit on compensation airlines must pay passengers who are involuntarily bumped from their flight. Under the new rule which goes into effect next month, fliers who are involuntarily bumped would receive up to $400 if they are rescheduled to reach their destination within two hours of their original arrival time or four hours for international flights, and up to $800 if they are not rerouted within that timeframe.” (from DOT)

With increased capacity loads on flights and talk of a reduction of flights, we could see bumping rates increase this year. It’s important to realize that airlines overbook flights in order to account for those people who miss connections, get a flat tire on the way to the airport, or just plain miss the plane. However, as we all know, sometimes everybody makes it, and there are more airline tickets than available seats. Generally, an airline will ask for volunteers who will be placed on a later flight and receive travel vouchers…