Be warned about airlines overbooking!

When my wife died 7 years ago I contacted easyJet to cancel 5 flights and Flybe to cancel one. Flybe was fine and gave me a full credit, while EJ gave me a 'goodwill' half-credit, but said that their places could not be cancelled before the flight took off !! they could not give me a satisfactory reason for this, and I said it seemed ludicrous to me, as they'd be able to re-sell those seats.

So what appears to happen is that they over-book, and then allow some of the overflow on board when folks like me do not turn-up!! seems a crazy way to do business, but i guess they know what they are doing better than I!
I was grateful to get *some* of my money back!
Of course, things may have changed since then.

Hi there,
In response to your over booked flight with Easyjet.
We were returning from London Gatwick at the end of January, and whilst we were in the queue it was announced over the tannoy system for volunteers to come foreward and get on another flight as theyw ere over booked, they did also say a refund of £250 plus if need be a stay over night in a hotel, at least compensation was offered.
We did contact Easyjet we we got back and asked why was this allowed to happen and todate we have heard nothing from them at all.
So beware.
Pablo

Flying out last weekend, Easyjet made an announcement on another flight gate that due to "weight restrictions" 6 passengers were being offered €400 euros to volunteer to be moved to another carrier to the same destination. If no volunteers came forward the last 6 people to check in would be moved with no compensation. As I boarded my plane I heard names being called to go to the desk . I guess no one volunteered.

I can't believe airlines could be so greedy. How can they get away with such bad treatment of customers. I have taken four easyjet flights this year and in every case they were delayed, with one excuse being the weather even though there were sunny sky's. Is there nothing we can do?

I agree with everything that has been said here but as an ex airline employee I know what can happen, seats are block booked by whoever and there are usually no shows but the airline isn't informed by whoever block booked the seats so the aircraft can depart with empty seats not good so all airlines over book for this purpose it's just unfortunate if all passengers turn up.
But I agree still distressing for you if you are trying to fly.
Regards Altos.