"To overbook a flight" means that the airline has sold more tickets for a particular flight than the available number of seats on the plane. Full definition
The practice of bumping passengers from overbooked flights is no longer just part of doing business. (cnbc.com)
This spring, United and Delta promised up to $ 10,000 in compensation to passengers who lose their seats on overbooked flights after high - profile incidents. (policygenius.com)
Just last month, Southwest Airlines promised to end the practice of overbooking flights in an effort to no longer inconvenience passengers who are bumped off when the airplanes reach maximum capacity. (techtimes.com)