I had some downtime today and was reading through my stack of travel magazines . One article gave this advice if you are "bumped" bec of over booking the flight. They are required to rebook you on the next fight- but BESURE they gurantee you a confirmed seat  or you may be bumped again. They are required to compensate you .They usuaully offer a voucher that ususually comes with restrictions and an expiration date of 1 yr. INSTEAD request the cash value. This IS an accetable lawful  option. If the gate agent is asking for volunteers the amount can go to  $1000 if they are in real need with no other volunteers. Most cash outs are for $$400. I was clueless about the cash option.  mom