A recent investigation has revealed that Frontier Airlines holds the unfortunate title of the airline most prone to overselling flights and bumping passengers. With a rate of 3.21 per 10,000 passengers, it significantly outpaces other major U.S. carriers in this regard, according to a report by Travel + Leisure that cites research from the travel website Upgraded Points.
From early 2023 to 2024, the data showed that for every 10,000 passengers flying with Frontier, approximately 3.21 individuals were involuntarily denied boarding—400% higher than the rates seen with other airlines. In comparison, American Airlines reported a rate of 0.6 per 10,000 passengers, landing it in second place, while Spirit Airlines followed with 0.43 bumped passengers for the same number of flyers.
Keri Stooksbury, the editor of Upgraded Points, emphasized that there’s hardly a more frustrating travel experience than purchasing a ticket only to be denied boarding. This situation arises because airlines often oversell seats, anticipating that some travelers will not show up. Her team’s research aimed to shed light on common industry practices, highlighting which airlines are most likely to encounter this issue.
In stark contrast to Frontier, both Delta Air Lines and Allegiant Air reported a zero rate of involuntary denied boarding. However, Delta did record the highest rate of voluntary seat relinquishments, with 7.49 out of 10,000 passengers opting to give up their spots.
When airlines oversell seats, they typically offer compensation to entice volunteers to relinquish their boarding. This compensation can come in various forms, including cash, upgrades on later flights, or access to airport lounges.
The survey also uncovered that the compensation amounts travelers are willing to accept vary by state. For instance, passengers in Arkansas expressed a willingness to settle for an average minimum of $382, while those in California sought a significantly higher average of $832.
Factors such as layover times and the season, particularly during holidays, also play a crucial role in influencing travelers’ willingness to give up their seats.
