Post Christmas Flight Bumping (Voluntary) Question

[PHILCT]

I am thinking of using my Delta frequent flyer miles to get a round trip ticket from Hartford to MCO on Sunday December 27th.

In the past I have chosen to book Christmas Flights ahead of the time I need them, and then volunteer for being bumped. The reward is quite substantial and worth it for my future travelling for received voucher credits.

I always take one carry on only with me for this attempt to get voluntarily bumped.

I could choose to go down to Orlando a day earlier (Saturday 26th).

Right now the first class mileage is very little more than the pricey coach frequent mileage, so I am thinking of splurging and going first class. I can now book an early morning or an afternoon flight, and I also wonder which one has the better chances of being over filled. Surprisingly the early Saturday December 26th morning flight seems to have less seats already available on it.

Do you think I will have a good chance of getting voluntarily bumped, or will first class hinder this probability.

If I do get bumped, can I assume they will give me a later flight or the next day flight for sure?

Do people still get bumped or asked to be voluntarily bump on flights now a days? The last time I got 2 vouchers in the same day, it was about 450 dollars per flight, for a total of 900 dollars, while I read a book in airport lobbies, followed by a free hotel, airport to hotel shuttle and dinner and breakfast until the next morning flight.

I appreciate any holiday advice about attempting to get a voluntary bumping.

I remember one year negotiating a voluntary bump and waiting for the others to board, the gate staff thanked me by giving me the last empty first class seat available, and sold my coach seat to someone else. It was a great Christmas Eve Flight.

I don't mind arriving until late Sunday Evening on December 27th in Orlando.

Thanks, Phil

 

[seashoreCM]

They will tell you 2what flight you will be put on or if you have to go standby instead. This is when they ask for volunteers.

Then you can decide whether to volunteer.

You can also ask about volunteering before the gate agent asks over the PA system. Here you would ask what replacement flights are available and what kind of bonus you would get.

 

[rsschneck]

We like to volunteer to be bumped when it is convenient for us. At Christmas the last couple of year's it has been 2 days before another flight was available so we have chosen not to bump.

Do you think I will have a good chance of getting voluntarily bumped, or will first class hinder this probability. First class will hinder the bumping. They will allow it but you will more than likely be put in coach for your next available flight option.

If I do get bumped, can I assume they will give me a later flight or the next day flight for sure? They will put you on the next available flight. This could be the same day, next day or a couple of days.

Do people still get bumped or asked to be voluntarily bump on flights now a days? Both The last time I got 2 vouchers in the same day, it was about 450 dollars per flight, for a total of 900 dollars, while I read a book in airport lobbies, followed by a free hotel, airport to hotel shuttle and dinner and breakfast until the next morning flight. Delta has volunteer bumping rules as far as their compensation. The travel vouchers are for $200 to $400 depending on how long you are waiting for your next flight.