Aeroflot has presented the Ministry of Transport with a concept for changes to the Air Code, which establishes the possibility of purchasing airline tickets under overbooking conditions – a situation where an airline sells more tickets than there are seats in the cabin.
The airline's proposal provides for the conclusion of a transportation agreement with the condition that the carrier may change the terms of transportation, providing the passenger with compensation.
Aeroflot's proposal aims to legalize the practice of overbooking in legislation, since this procedure is not regulated at the moment. The issues of informing passengers, obtaining their consent or refusal, as well as the procedure for paying compensation and refunds have not yet been clarified.
The Ministry of Transport noted that the department is working with airlines to find a mutually acceptable solution to protect the rights of passengers in case of overbooking and to amend legislation, including the establishment of compensation amounts.
State Duma deputy from the Chelyabinsk region Yana Lantratova opposed the initiative. According to her, it is necessary to prevent airlines from turning the flight into a lottery.
Imagine: you bought a ticket, arrived at the airport, and you are told that there are no seats. You are offered an "alternative" option – another flight, possibly with an inconvenient transfer and a long wait. Or compensation that is unlikely to cover all your expenses and moral damage.
In November 2024, Senator Ayrat Gibatdinov proposed banning overbooking. In his opinion, this practice violates passengers' rights to quality services.
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