I would like to respond to Herbert Huey's letter, 'Airline's booking procedure in need of rethink' (South China Morning Post, March 26), about the overbooking of flights.
Overbooking is in the interests of both airlines and their passengers; without it, passengers would be refused bookings on flights that ultimately leave with many empty seats.
At Cathay Pacific it is done sparingly and with great care.
On the rare occasions we have to deny a passenger boarding we usually transfer them promptly to an alternative flight (as was done in Mr Huey's case).
Where this is not possible, we usually find passengers who are willing to go on a later flight - the compensation is generous enough to attract volunteers.
Naturally, we apologise to Mr and Mrs Huey for the inconvenience they experienced in Japan during Lunar New Year. Please be advised that we have already been in contact with Mr Huey.