Reporting of oversales: misreporting involuntary bumpings as voluntary; failing to report bumped passengers that are ineligible for compensation

This letter concerns the “Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed Space” (Form 251, copy enclosed), sometimes referred to as the “Bumping Report.” The submission of this form is required of certain U.S. and foreign airlines in order to provide the Department of Transportation (DOT) with information on airline oversales. This information is then compiled and published in our monthly Air Travel Consumer Report to assist the public. We are sending you and the other reporting airlines this letter to advise you of several incorrect practices we have noted in reviewing air carrier submissions, and to seek your help in eliminating them.