IMO airlines should be allowed to overbook. However, if there are more passengers than seats I don’t think they should be allowed to boot anyone involuntarily. They should be forced instead to offer higher and higher amounts of cash (not vouchers) until they find sufficient volunteers. I don’t care if the bidding gets to $50k.
That would allow the airlines to book fully and maximize profits, but also incentivize them to not take the practice too far. Which they do now.
exactly
It would be a lot cheaper than what they're going to have to pay out now, not to mention the PR damage. It will take at least 10 years for United to live this down.