[goatherders]

This is silly. If every plane had every ticket sold and no one showed up, the airlines would make out even better. Less cost of food and drinks, fuel, labor costs in moving baggage. Airlines should HOPE people don't show up and take seats on the plane. This idea that they overbook because people don't show up is a money-grab and when it bites them in the ass I, for one, am glad.

[panda88888]

To be honest in that situation overselling would net airlines even more money. That's why airlines oversell.

IMO a better system would be a more market-based solution.

Disallow involuntary bumping except under exceptional circumstances, and require airlines to up theirs compensation until enough people voluntarily bump themselves. Airlines would still oversell but at lower % because the cost is now higher. And people who get bumped are at least given satisfactory compensations.