[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Justme: You seem to be mixing these two terms in your explanation. A basic characteristic of "bumping" is that the plane ALWAYS takes-off. Otherwise, you may be talking about "Denied Boarding."

An air tight case for compensation, in a "bumping" situation, would involve the following criteria:

* You arrived at the departure gate within the time frame specified in the airline's Contract of Carriage.

* You were in a seat on the aircraft, and were ordered against your will, to leave the aircraft because of an over-booking situation. Or, you were not allowed to board BUT had met the condition noted above regarding timely arrival at the boarding gate.

* You are NOT travelling on a "free" ticket such as frequent flier miles, free flight voucher, employee buddy pass, etc.

* The plane took-off and did NOT stay at the gate because of air traffic control or "weather conditions" (real and made-up.)

* You did NOT "volunteer" to be "bumped." If you did you're at the mercy of the airline as to the matter of compensation. Hopefully your airline doesn't like to lie--promise one thing, then, when the plane has gone, give you something else. Protest? We'll call the cops!