A recent Delta flight from Boston to Rome highlights the ongoing practice of overbooking flights in the airline industry. In an effort to ensure full flights, airlines often offer compensation to volunteers who surrender their seats. Delta, for example, has seen over 23,000 passengers volunteer to give up their seats in exchange for vouchers and perks since January. From cash compensation to hotel stays, airlines are offering more incentives to deal with labor shortages and record travel numbers post-pandemic. However, the practice of overbooking has not been without controversy. In 2017, a United Airlines passenger was forcibly removed from an overbooked flight, sparking outrage and prompting changes in airline policies. With stricter rules and increased compensation, airlines are striving to balance customer satisfaction and profitability. Despite concerns about travelers taking advantage of the system, data shows that the number of bumped passengers has actually decreased in recent years. Ultimately, the compensation for overbooked flights is seen as a way for passengers to push back against airline practices they feel are unfair.