FlySafair staff/ Picture: Instagram
Popular local airline FlySafair has had to fend off some angry customers after they took to their X (formerly Twitter) page, admitting to participating in an overbooking practice which has left many inconvenienced and stranded.
FlySafair has become a trusted and reliable go-to airline for many South Africans as it has proven to have some of the most affordable ticket prices, and citizens continue to be shocked by the continuous price increases. However, a frustrated customer has triggered a shocking revelation from the airline as they revealed that they participate in a practice of over-booking their flights in order to keep their prices as affordable as possible for their consumers.
…we do overbook flight to ensure we keep our tickets as affordable as possible for our passengers. We do see how inconvenient this can be and therefore offer compensation for passengers that were not able to take the flight they’ve booked. -BC
— FlySafair (@FlySafair) January 5, 2025
The airline’s transparency has garnered angry and frustrated reactions from previous, current and future customers, as they list a plethora of reasons that this practice is a bad idea which includes the fact that it is prohibited according to section 47 of the Consumer Protection Act. Furthermore, other users outlined the possible scenarios where monetary compensation would not suffice, such as missing an important or life changing appointment.
@TheNCC_RSA, overbooking of flights is illegal in terms of section 47 of the Consumer Protection Act.
Flysafair is openly admitting to this illegal practice. Please may you take action against them, including imposing fines and compensating affected consumers?
— joshuagxekwa 𝕏 (@joshuagxekwa) January 6, 2025
You guys need to be reported. What compensation are you offering someone going to a funeral, birthday or holiday? Entlek who’s the regulatory body in this regard?
— S. Chippa Dzhivhuho🇿🇦 (@sechabachippa) January 5, 2025
Other users have used this opportunity to reveal their own similar experiences with the airline, with some revealing that they never received any compensation for the inconvenience caused.
Conversely, other users have come out to defend the airline, admitting that the practice is inconvenient for those who do not find an available seat, however, they acknowledge that it is common and somewhat needed in the aviation industry.
i don’t understand why people are so upset at this. Flight overbooking is a well-known practice amongst all airlines. An inconvenience for sure, but they offer you a compensation package that is well worth the inconvenience sometimes.
— ° (@Gustavo__K) January 5, 2025
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