Being Bumped to Business Class
Arriving at Perth airport at 4am, half groggy from still being asleep, half excited because its been years since I flew international (and solo), I was fiddling with my luggage tags in the near-empty line for Emirates check-in, when I was approached by someone from the airline:
“Sir, are you travelling on your own?”
“Yes, yes I am”
“We’re actually overbooked on your flight. Do you mind if we bump you to a later flight? If you do this for us we will give you a free ticket, the same as the ticket you are using today, to redeem within 12 months”
“FREE? Did you say FREE? (a Backpackers favourite words)… but what about my connecting flights?”
“Yes, we will rebook all your connections for you”
I followed her to baggage check-in, checked the bags in (only 12kgs), and found out more information.
Because all airlines overbook their flights, they expect some people not to show. Once in a while, everyone does show, and they have to bump people to other flights, so I got a DBC (denial boarding coupon for voluntarily being bumped). For more information on how to maximise your opportunity to getting a DBC (and free travel vouchers or cash rewards) see the travel forum post .
“it turns out Friday’s are synonymous with being overbooked”
The lovely gentleman at the Emirates service desk booked me on the exact same flights 24 hours later; with a free travel voucher from PER-DXB-IST or return (look at me Ma! using airline codes) to use within 12 months; and even said he would try and get me a seat in business class.
So, while I miss spending Saturday night at the hostel I had booked (and loose the full booking amount since I cancelled within 24 hours of the booking), I get a couple of freebies, and should arrive just in time for the start of my 10 day tour of Turkey on Sunday night.
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7 People have left comments on this post
» said:
Wow, what a start to your trip!!! Business class looks AMAZING! And you score a free ticket too? Awesome!
»Jack and Jill said:
How bloody luck! Never been in business class but that looks luxurious indeed. Congrats on your departure and have an awesome adveture!
»Anonymous said:
Yep. It’s definitely something you should try at least once in your life. I’ve been bragging to all the travellers I meet about it. I should probably shut up now.
» said:
Darn that must have been hard to take! Free ticket and you get bumped to Business Class. Winner, winner chicken dinner.
» said:
In all my years of flying, I have never flown anything but coach. Sorry about losing the night for the hostel but your accommodations in business class were probably nicer!
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