Tips to keep in mind if your flight is oversold:

— Know your rights and the maximum compensation if you’re
bumped, which depends on how quickly the airline can put you on
another flight. You aren’t compensated if the airline gets you to
your destination up to an hour late. You receive up to $400 if
you’re scheduled to get there between one and two hours late, and
up to $800 if you’re scheduled to arrive more than two hours
late.

— Airlines are required to ask for volunteers before bumping
anyone, and will offer travel vouchers or other goodies. Before you
accept an offer, ask when is the next flight that the airline can
confirm your seat.

— There are exceptions, especially on smaller planes operated by
regional airlines. Bumping rules don’t apply to planes with fewer
than 30 seats, or when passengers are bumped to meet total weight
limits including people and bags on planes with 30 to 60 seats.

— If you don’t want to be bumped, get to the airport early. Some
airlines bump the passengers with the cheapest tickets, but some
will bump the passengers who checked in last.

— You may lose your right to compensation if you show up late.
You’re usually required to arrive at the gate between 10 and 30
minutes before your scheduled departure. Late arrivals can be
stripped of their confirmed reservation.