How Do I Get Compensated for Getting Bumped Off of My Delta Airlines Flight?

Being bumped from a flight feels like getting kicked out of a restaurant because it booked too many reservations. Ideally, such an event would never happen, but it does because there are some passengers who never show up although they have a confirmed booking. The airline is then allowed by federal law to sell more tickets than seats to prevent empty seats on the aircraft. But what if you get bumped from a Delta flight? How do you receive compensation? This guide will tell you of Delta's policy on overbooked flights and what you need to do, if anything, to be compensated.

Delta's Promise

1. To provide its passengers with information at airports regarding their policies on handling oversold flights and boarding priority rules.
2. Keeping you up-to-date on required check in times through the reservations phone line and online at delta.com, which is located here https://www.delta.com/us/en/check-in-security/check-in-time-requirements.
3. Once you request it, Delta can let you know if your flight is overbooked through their Reservation Sales or their airport customer service representatives.
4. Request volunteers to be denied boarding before resorting to boarding priority rules, which are only implemented if there aren't enough volunteers.
5. Offering compensation from Delta Choice Gift Card Program for those who volunteer to be refused boarding. These gift cards can even be put toward future flights and never expire and are fully transferable.
6. If you are involuntarily denied boarding, Delta will provide you with notice of their obligations and the compensation you'll receive. You are also rebooked on the first available Delta flight to your destination.
7. If you are involuntarily bumped from your flight, Delta will also provide hotel accommodations at Delta-contracted hotels if they are not able to book you a same-day flight. If there aren't any hotel accommodations available, Delta will compensate you with a transportation credit valued of up to $100 with the contracted hotel, depending on the rate.
8. Please note, that passengers who do not volunteer to be removed from the flight and those who are denied boarding are both considered involuntarily denied boarding. If you have any questions, please contact Delta.

More on Compensation

The amount you will be compensated for depends on factors from the airline's discretion to the cost of your airfare. How compliant you are with your part of the agreement with the airline, including complying with check-in time policies can determine if you even qualify for compensation. Once all conditions for compensation are met, however, you can receive it as quickly as the same day the overbooking occurred and in cash or negotiable check. However, if you have to depart before receiving the compensation, then your compensation is made by mail or other means within 24 hours after you were denied boarding. More information is found here https://www.delta.com/us/en/legal/contract-of-carriage-dgr#20de.

Tips on Keeping Your Seat

1. Follow Delta's check-in policy by using the Fly Delta app or the website to check-in up to 24 hours before your flight. Usually the earlier you check in, the better.
2. Currently for domestic travel, Delta Airlines suggests that you arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure, be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to departure and be at the gate ready to board 15 minutes before departure. Please note that some airports require more time for check-ins, they are listed here https://www.delta.com/us/en/check-in-security/check-in-time-requirements/domestic-check-in#airports