Flight Overbooking Illegal In South Africa, Warns National Consumer Commission

The National Consumer Commission NCC has a warned airlines, stating that the practice of overbooking flights is illegal under the Consumer Protection Act CPA.

This follows an incident involving FlySafair last year, in which a passenger was left stranded at the airport despite holding a valid ticket, due to the airlines overbooking practices.

The case prompted the NCC to launch an investigation into the wider practice of overbooking and overselling tickets by domestic low-cost carriers . The Commission confirmed that its investigation into the complaint against FlySafair is still ongoing.

At the time, FlySafair maintained that overbooking helps to keep ticket prices affordable for passengers. Meanwhile, other airlines, including CemAir, distanced themselves from the practice.

During a joint meeting of Parliaments Portfolio Committees on Trade, Industry and Competition, and Transport, acting NCC Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the Competition Commission , Hardin Ratshisusu , reiterated that the practice is unlawful.