Has the United Airlines debacle highlighted a growing problem within the airline industry?

Air Canada's turn

Can't a simple solution like using a computer to show that X model of aircraft hold x number of seats so that overbooking is prevented?

Or is it really a case of $$$$ 1st?

Has the United Airlines debacle highlighted a growing problem within the airline industry?

Air Canada's turn

Can't a simple solution like using a computer to show that X model of aircraft hold x number of seats so that overbooking is prevented?

Or is it really a case of $$$$ 1st?

Studies show Y people don't show on average, so sell X + Y seats!

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Doctors have also been doing the same thing for probably much longer than the airlines. They overbook so that if a patient no-shows or cancels with short notice they won't be twiddling their thumbs unpaid. If too many patients show up then some will just have to wait longer.

Perhaps the fact that "patience" and "patients" are homophones is not coincidental!

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It's nothing new, airlines are doing this since a long time now. But usually they find ppl who are willing to take a later flight when they are compensated. They get either money or miles or a upgrade to business class. There are even ppl who speculate with these kind of things.
The real problems start if they don't find anybody who's willing to wait. But that's clearly THEIR problem, not the passengers problem. What United did there should never have happened. I'm sure it will cost them a "loadsa money" and I think they may have more free seats in the near future.
Oh, BTW, this wasn't even just a overbooking thingy, AFAIK they forgot to reserve seats for 4 crew members which had to get to another airport for work. So no matter how you look at this, it's all clearly Uniteds fault.

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It's nothing new, airlines are doing this since a long time now. But usually they find ppl who are willing to take a later flight when they are compensated. They get either money or miles or a upgrade to business class. There are even ppl who speculate with these kind of things.
The real problems start if they don't find anybody who's willing to wait. But that's clearly THEIR problem, not the passengers problem. What United did there should never have happened. I'm sure it will cost them a "loadsa money" and I think they may have more free seats in the near future.
Oh, BTW, this wasn't even just a overbooking thingy, AFAIK they forgot to reserve seats for 4 crew members which had to get to another airport for work. So no matter how you look at this, it's all clearly Uniteds fault.

Actually it is worse, it is the fault of the subcontractor who flies that route for United. It wasn't a United crew or plane, just a lease job. That is what makes it utterly inexcusable. Go rent a lear jet!

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Then there's Easyjet...

EasyJet overbooking

... "The airline failed to tell them they were entitled to a flight the same day with another airline, or to compensation as stipulated under EU rules."

Then there's Easyjet...
EasyJet overbooking
... "The airline failed to tell them they were entitled to a flight the same day with another airline, or to compensation as stipulated under EU rules."

Well. Ryanair Passengers Willing To Stand For FREE

Oops

""The actions of our team member captured here do not appear to reflect patience or empathy, two values necessary for customer care. In short, we are disappointed by these actions," the airline said."

Oops
""The actions of our team member captured here do not appear to reflect patience or empathy, two values necessary for customer care. In short, we are disappointed by these actions," the airline said."

Way to go!

One male passenger demands the name of the employee involved and when a man dressed in American Airlines uniform enters the plane, the passenger tells him: "Hey, bud, you do that to me and I'll knock you flat."
The employee confronts the passenger, telling him to "stay out of this", then saying: "Hit me! Come on, bring it on."