What Does Overbooked Mean in Tourism?

By Robert Palmer

Have you ever booked a flight or a hotel room only to find out later that it’s overbooked? This is a common problem in the tourism industry and can cause a lot of frustration. In this article, we will explore what overbooking means in tourism and how it can affect your travel plans.

What is Overbooking?

Overbooking is a practice used by airlines and hotels to maximize their revenue. It involves accepting more bookings than they have available seats or rooms. The idea behind this practice is that not everyone who has booked will show up for their reservation, so by overbooking, they can fill every seat or room and avoid empty spaces that result in lost revenue.

How Does Overbooking Work?

Let’s say an airline has a plane with 100 seats. They may accept bookings for 110 seats, assuming that not everyone who booked will show up for their flight.

If all 110 people do show up, the airline will have to deny boarding to 10 passengers. The same goes for hotels – if they have 50 rooms, they may accept bookings for 55 rooms, assuming that some people may cancel their reservations.

What Are the Consequences of Overbooking?

The consequences of overbooking can be frustrating for travelers who have already made plans and arrangements. If you are denied boarding on a flight or turned away from a hotel because it’s overbooked, you may miss important events or appointments at your destination.

In some cases, airlines or hotels may offer compensation to those who are affected by overbooking. This compensation could range from vouchers to reimbursements or even upgrades to more expensive seats or rooms.

How Can You Avoid Overbooking?

To avoid the frustration of being denied boarding or turned away from a hotel due to overbooking, there are several things you can do:

  • Book your flight or hotel room as early as possible to increase your chances of getting a seat or room.
  • Confirm your reservation a few days before your departure to make sure it’s still valid.
  • Arrive early at the airport or hotel to increase your chances of getting a seat or room.

Conclusion

Overbooking is a common practice in the tourism industry, but it can be frustrating for travelers who are denied boarding or turned away from a hotel due to overbooking. To avoid these situations, it’s important to book early, confirm your reservation, and arrive early at the airport or hotel. If you do find yourself in this situation, remember that compensation may be available.