Though it can be frustrating, airlines are allowed to oversell flights “to a certain extent,” according to the DOT. They are not, however, allowed to use “unjust or unreasonable prejudice,” like your race or ethnicity, to bump you from a flight.

Yes, airlines are legally allowed to "bump" passengers—a practice known as involuntary denied boarding—but it is strictly regulated. This usually happens when a flight is oversold and not enough volunteers come forward to take a later flight in exchange for compensation. In 2026, under DOT rules, if you are bumped involuntarily, the airline must provide you with a written statement of your rights and, in most cases, immediate cash compensation. The amount depends on the length of the delay to your final destination; for example, if the delay is over two hours (four hours internationally), you may be entitled to 400% of your one-way fare, capped at $2,150. However, you are generally not entitled to compensation if the bump is due to a smaller aircraft substitution for safety reasons or if you failed to meet the airline's check-in and boarding deadlines.