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Bumped up?

Posted by Lotg (OZ) on August 22, 2004

In Reply to: Re: Was being bumped. posted by Bruce Kahl on August 22, 2004

: : Hello,
: : I'd like to know the meaning of the "bumped" in such context below.
: : -Anyone who was holding a free tight was being "bumped"?
: : Thanks to whoever answers to it.

: If you mean a "free FLIGHT", then it means you are being asked to leave the airplane to make room for another passenger.
: "Bumped", in airline-speak, is to eliminate and cancel your ticket for that flight.

OK, that makes sense, but if that's so, why do we say we were 'bumped up' to First Class, when such rare and wonderful things do happen? Perhaps the whole 'bumping' thing isn't just about elimination so much as 'changing'. ie. the act of being 'bumped' or 'jolted' into a new position?