[–] clamhurt_legbeard ago
Have you ever looked at an airline's annual report? Here's a link to United-Continental's financial data, including the latest annual report.
They don't have any money to count. Airlines are terrible businesses.
[–] clamhurt_legbeard 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Airlines are always on the edge of bankruptcy. Seriously, take a look at any airline's annual report. The only hope they have of making any profit whatsoever is to ensure as close to 100% of seats are filled as possible. Since an average of, say, 5% of people cancel, you overbook by that percentage. The problem only comes when things aren't average.
Honestly, we should be focusing on the TSA violating the Constitution, not overbooking.
[–] clamhurt_legbeard ago
Are you saying airlines are secretly making tons of money?
They're not.
[–] Zorton 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago
There is no need. The airline that follows the steps of United will soon fail or see a dramatic reduction in ticket sales while people flock to carriers who don't overbook or give out plenty of money in exchange for bumping. The market will handle it without disortiona from bans and silly law things.