Skip to main content

Why do airlines sell too many tickets? - Nina Klietsch

2,523,880 Views

22,889 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Have you ever sat in a doctor’s office for hours, despite having an appointment? Has a hotel turned down your reservation because it’s full? Have you been bumped off a flight that you paid for? These are all symptoms of overbooking, a practice where businesses sell or book more than their capacity. So why do they do it? Nina Klietsch explains the math behind this frustrating practice.

What might be the ethical responsibilities associated with overbooking. Could these responsibilities vary in different areas?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Nina Klietsch
  • Director Anton Trofimov
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki

More from Math In Real Life