NPR

After Viral Scandals, Airline Bumping Rates Hit Historic Lows

A marked decrease in the airline bumping rate started in April, according to new data from the Department of Transportation. That's the month a passenger was bloodied and dragged off a United flight.
United Airlines garnered headlines in April when a passenger was dragged off a plane after the airline attempted to bump him from the flight. / Marcio Jose Sanchez / Shutterstock.com

It might seem like vocal discontent about airline bumping has reached a high-water mark recently, especially after a passenger was bloodied and dragged off a United flight last April.

Now, new data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that bumped-passenger rates are at their lowest level since 1995.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
'Tales Of Kenzera: ZAU': A Deep Story About Grief Leavened By Satisfying Gameplay
New action platformer Tales of Kenzera: ZAU delivers a moving story, sleek traversal, and a brilliant setting gleaming with Afro-futurist highlights. It's just not as meaty as competing Metroidvanias.
NPR5 min readAmerican Government
First Day Of Trump's Hush Money Trial Kicks Off With Opening Statements And A Witness
The prosecution is arguing that Donald Trump wanted to keep information out of the public fearing that it would turn off voters in 2016. The defense argues Trump did nothing illegal.
NPR5 min read
United Methodists Will Again Debate LGBTQ Clergy And Same-sex Weddings
The United Methodist Church is holding its first General Conference since the pandemic and will consider whether to change policies on several LGBTQ issues.

Related Books & Audiobooks