[hinathan]

The folks who strolled in earlier might have more status (miles/revenue) on this airline, and having that means a great deal to the airline's systems and humans. They know what you're worth to the company and whether it's worth bumping someone else lower on the totem. It doesn't feel good but it's generally pretty rational.

[kyro]

So rational, in fact, that I will do all I can to avoid flying this specific airline.

[Evbn]

Losing customers in an overbook situation is not a faikure mode.