Airlines pay passengers to switch overbooked flights

Airlines sometimes offer passengers money or vouchers to voluntarily change flights, a practice stemming from overbooking strategies. This is done to avoid more costly consequences. Airlines overbook flights, selling more tickets than seats, to account for "no-shows." When all ticketed passengers arrive, airlines seek volunteers to give up their seats, offering compensation to avoid involuntary bumping. Overbooking is a risk management tactic to maximize profits, and compensation can reach thousands of dollars. Passengers should know their rights and negotiate terms, as these situations are more common than expected.