As if you need any other reasons to go carry-on only

[flitcraft]

You'll be at the top of list to be asked if you want to be bumped from an over-booked flight. Now, I realize that this isn't everyone's idea of a great opportunity, and usually I don't have the option. But a few weeks ago I was coming back from Europe via the SAS flight from Copenhagen to Seattle. (Sadly, it's now no longer run...but that's another story.) My husband and I were singled out in Amsterdam and given the option to get bumped because we had no checked luggage--only our Tristars and Cafe Bags. They prefer to bump folks with no checked bags because they have to dig out your bags from your onward flight if you get bumped, which takes time and trouble for them.

We looked at each other, realized that we'd never been to Copenhagen before, acknowledged that we didn't need to be back in Seattle on Saturday, and thought, why not?

So...we ended up with hotel, taxi, and meal vouchers for the evening and the next day's sightseeing in Copenhagen, free passes to Tivoli Gardens, seat upgrades on the flight out the following afternoon, and our choice of either 1200 euros of flight coupons or a check for 600 euros cash. (Naturally we opted for the cash.)

Not a bad deal at all. And all because we were traveling carry-on only. (And they presented me with a birthday cake on the flight, too, but that had nothing to do with our Tristars. I'm gonna miss SAS...)

[lauragayle]

wow! Sounds like a great opportunity and I hope you had a great time in Copenhagen!

[MtnMan]

Nice if the airline you're dealing with is generous in offering goodies to keep you happy. My flights have all been domestic, and on-the-cheap. The big USA carriers are not as kind, unfortunately...

[flitcraft]

The EU has regulations that mandate the kind of accommodations that we got for getting bumped. Getting bumped domestically is much less lucrative. But it can still be a reasonable deal--you can often get upgraded to first class in the later flight as well as getting your discount coupons or free flight vouchers. Always check to be sure that the vouchers don't have too many limitations--some are transferrable to others, some are not; some have blackout dates, others don't, etc. Also, if you ask nicely, you can often get other perks, ranging from airport meal vouchers to vouchers for food and drink on the plane. Also, if you are given a hotel voucher, ask if there is a choice--at bigger airports there often is. And I can't emphasize enough--be pleasant, be cooperative, and have no checked bag. You want the whole matter to be easy and pleasant for the gate agent, who will generally then respond in kind.

[maverick]

wow - that's very good to know! indeed, flying with no checked bags makes more and more sense.