Delta wants travelers to bid to be bumped

Delta Air Lines wants its customers to name their price.

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The airline is testing a new auction system that lets travelers on overbooked flights submit a bid for the value of a travel voucher they would take to be bumped, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Delta would accept the lowest bids first.

Previously, Delta — like most airlines — asked for volunteers to give up their seats on overbooked flights in exchange for a travel voucher for a specific amount, say, $200. Some travelers are willing to forgo their flight in exchange for free travel in the future.

Under the new system, Delta could benefit if smaller amounts are paid out in compensation — lowering the costs for overbooking and bumping.