The Passengers' Dilemma

When I checked in for my flight yesterday, they were asking for volunteers to give up their seat if your travel plans were flexible. They overbooked the flight, as is typical, but they’ve added a prisoner’s dilemma to the process. (Maybe the airlines have been doing this for years, but when traveling with five people it’s not really an option I would have noticed.)

You get to tell them how much it will take in travel vouchers to give up your seat.

$200?

$350?

$475?

$550?

Buds and I discussed putting in a bid, but when you put in your “offer,” it doesn’t indicate if you are still guaranteed to reach your destination on the same day. I really want to be home today, so I didn’t click the button to offer to get bumped, but I’ve been thinking about it.

If those of us who travel would collectively agree we will always bid the highest amount, all of us would be ahead. In some cases the airline has to get someone to give up their seat. The person who is volunteering should be well compensated for their time.

It’s similar to the collective bargaining power of a union. Or the power of our vote. One individual vote doesn’t generally matter, but together, our votes are powerful.

Who knows what other thoughts I’ll have as the clock slowly ticks forward.