overboeking

Overboeking, in Dutch often used as the term for overbooking, is the practice of selling more reservations than there are seats or beds available. It is used by airlines, hotels and other travel providers to compensate for expected no-shows and late cancellations, with the aim of maximizing occupancy and revenue. When capacity is reached but more customers arrive than there is space, some customers may be refused service or assigned to later departures.

In air travel, overboeking commonly occurs when a provider anticipates a certain percentage of no-shows. Hotels may overbook rooms for the same reason. Providers typically offer incentives to volunteers to give up their seats; if not enough volunteers are found, involuntary denial of boarding may occur.

Passenger rights: If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, the airline is generally required to offer a re-routing to the final destination or a refund, and to provide necessary care such as meals, refreshments, or hotel accommodation depending on the delay and jurisdiction.

Legal framework: In the European Union, rules on compensation and assistance for denied boarding are set by EU Regulation 261/2004. Other countries have their own rules, and compensation levels and conditions vary.

Practical tips: Travelers can reduce risk by checking in early, selecting seats, and knowing their rights. If affected, document the incident, keep receipts for expenses, and contact the airline or consumer protection authorities for compensation or assistance.