. . . or, at least, more cheaply.
This concept is not a new one to some travelers. But I am continually meeting others that have never thought to try it.
It’s a well known fact that airlines regularly overbook flights. Their reasoning is that many passengers, believe it or not, won’t show for their scheduled departure- due to changes in their travel plans, missed connections, etc. Overbooking ensures that they will have a full plane, and make a greater profit in the process.
Why not take advantage of that fact?
It has become a habit of mine to check, before leaving for the airport, if there are still seats available on the flight I’m about to take. Finding your gate plumb full of waiting passengers can also be a pretty good indicator!
Chances are good that no seats are available, the flight is overbooked and even more hopeful passengers are waiting on ‘stand-by.’ At this point, I approach the service counter and very nicely inform them that I might be interested in giving up my seat, if they are in need of the extra room. This offer is often met with much gratitude by the airline reps, who are used to dealing with loads of agitated and angry customers.
Giving up your seat usually means that they will book you on the next available flight headed your intended direction (be sure to get a ‘confirmed’ seat) AND that they will offer you a perk or two for your trouble and generosity!
Numerous times in the past, that has meant that I’ve waited around the airport for an extra hour or so and, in exchange, been rewarded a meal voucher and $200-300 travel voucher, good for future travel. Each on different occasions, I’ve been given a telephone calling card, a wi-fi access card and a pass to the airline’s lounge!
But my biggest jackpot yet happened over this past winter’s holiday season. Snowstorms in the Midwest had delayed and/or grounded hundreds of flights, creating gates full of travelers anxious to get home after Christmas. Returning home myself, I volunteered my seat on an evening flight headed west out of Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The elated service rep said that, if I would consider spending the night in KC, she could offer me a free night’s stay at the Hilton (where several grounded airline workers were also going to be, partying in the hotel bar!), three meal vouchers and a $600 Delta voucher! Knowing that I’d only have to sub-out a $50 jam session gig back in Oregon, I figured I’d be coming out way ahead on the deal, and took her up on it. She punched in a few things on the computer, told me where to catch the hotel shuttle, invited me to the crew party, handed me a stack of vouchers and said, “oh yeah- and I put you in First Class on tomorrow’s flight!” Score!
All for the hassle of staying over one night in Kansas City. That little deal is covering over half of the cost for this month’s round-trip flight to Bangkok, Thailand . . . well worth it, in my opinion!
Not every attempt will yield quite those kinds of results. I’ve been politely turned down probably 50% of the time. But what’s to lose in trying? I have a good friend who has been pulling this off almost every single weekend the last couple of months, on business travel between Salt Lake City and Portland! He regularly books himself onto a morning flight, knowing darn well that he will most likely negotiate for a later departure. He essentially flies for free- and lands a couple of free drink coupons to boot!
Keep in mind that this is much easier to do if: A) you have some flexibility in regards to the time you need to arrive at your destination; and B) you are traveling with only a carry-on.
Next time you’re off jet-setting, give this a shot. And be sure to post a comment about your experience below!
Wishing you happy, safe travels and much travel hacking success . . .
This rocks Mark! An ex of mine once got 3 roundtrip tickets for doing this. Of course, she flirted with the male airline rep and pretended like she’d hang out with him. So maybe that’s a little evil. But whatever. I’ve never tried it myself, although I’m not quite sure why not.
Three? Dang . . . get flirting, man!
Hmmm. Maybe PDX to BKK will be overbooked. I’m pretty flexible. Great post!
I see Delta Dollars in your future . . .
Great article mate, something that had not even crossed my mind. As I work while I travel a few more hours in teh airport rarely makes any difference to me whatsoever so I will be trying this out on my next flight. Awesome man, incredibly helpful, keep them coming.
Thanks, Jonny- that’s exactly the way I look at it. Happy travels!
Also, just a heads up but i have just tried to use the twitter link at teh bottom of the post but it appears to not work as it doesn’t include the link. Perhaps something to look into.
You’re right. I’ll look into it . . . thanks!
I love free travel vouchers! Joe, Viv, and I ended up with 4 free tickets on our way home from New Zealand. And we only arrived home about an hour later than scheduled. I wasn’t sure if it would be tricky to actually use them, but I just booked a flight for later this spring with no problems at all! Yay for free travel and flexible travel plans!
Four?! That’s awesome! I’d love to figure out how to swing that kind of deal. Thanks, Julie!
hmmm this is really interesting! I have a flight on Wednesday so I might try it?
Have you ever got upgraded on the same flight for free? Now that is something I would like to hack.
I have gotten an upgrade one time, after a several hour delay. Good luck on Wednesday- let me know what you pull off!
Nice article..i actually did this during my trip to Peru a couple of years back but not on purpose..it was my flight from Lima to Cusco (i was going to see Machu Picchu and hike the inca trail) there was a woman that was about to miss her flight so she was going to miss her tour group. I politely gave her my seat and the airline gave me a $200 voucher and access to the first class lounge…the agency that planned my trip (also booked my flights) http://www.closerperu.com didnt seem to mind since my tour group didnt leave till the next day..all and all i came out a winner from this one
That’s awesome, Jason- a few extra dollars towards your next adventure! Thanks for the comment!
Hey – this is a great article! I love the suggestion. I haven’t used this strategy for travel hacking in the past, but will definitely give it a shot during busy travel times in the future
Have you ever booked travel during Holiday times purposefully to score vouchers and stuff on the chance you’ll be able to give up your seat? Have heard about that too, but don’t know anyone who has tried it.
Hey, Austin! I haven’t tried booking with that purpose in-mind. But what an awesome idea! And now that you’ve mentioned it, think I’ll have to get on that sometime soon . . . thanks a ton!
I recently was comming home from 13 countries in eastern africa performing. I left johannisburg south africa to england then over to spain to lay over before i come back to los angeles. I volunteered my ticket 2 days in a row the third day they turned me down. I got 2 free nights 4 star hotel with food and transfers and a total of $1200 dollars. this payed for almost half of my trip. When i got home this money payed for bills and a free trip to the burningman festival in nevada. I really work it and I scored this time. more adventures comming. I have been to 100 countries and 109 islands./ ride the ride
Wow, Dave- excellent travel hacking story . . . way to go! I just checked out your site, and look forward to following more of your traveling and drumming adventures. Thanks for swinging by and adding this- keep in touch!