[ufmace]

> they ask you when you check in how much you would accept to get bumped

I don't like the sound of that much - how many people actually know or are prepared to think straight about how much money they would accept to get bumped when they're checking in?

I'd rather the system be that, if they need to bump someone, they start with a public offer of a modest amount, then keep increasing it until either somebody accepts or it gets so high that it's cheaper to do something else.

[ghobs91]

Keep in mind many people check in at home the day before. I flew recently and Delta offered me the option and I declined because I had to arrive at a certain time.

[michaelt]

I agree that would be a fair system as everyone, even the bumped passengers, would leave happy under that arrangement. It would certainly work well if all the passengers were already on the plane, as they'd all be there to participate in the auction.

However, if people were being bumped at check-in, or between check-in and boarding,

[ScottBurson]

The other advantage of Delta's system is efficiency. These auctions take time, delaying flights. Delta knows when they start boarding who is getting bumped.