April 15 (UPI) — Delta Airlines began granting its agents the ability to offer passengers up to almost $10,000 to give up their seat on an overbooked flight.
A company spokesperson said supervisors were previously only able to offer customers up to $1,350, but as of Friday they were given the ability to offer as much as $9,950 in compensation.
The change will also allow gate agents to offer up to $2,000 in compensation, more than double the previous cap of $800.
The Transportation Department requires airlines to compensate passengers for being involuntarily bumped from their flight, with a maximum required payment of $1,350.
Delta also reinforced the company’s priority of reaching a voluntary agreement with passengers rather than involuntarily denying boarding in a memo announcing the raised compensation caps.
“If more volunteers are needed, solicit early and often,” the memo stated. “Be prepared to explain options to customers traveling to their final destinations.”
Delta’s change comes after United Airlines passenger David Dao sustained a broken nose and a concussion while being dragged off a flight after refusing to accept payment to give up his seat.
