What does it mean to 'bump' a passenger in aviation?

In aviation, 'bumping' a passenger refers to the practice of removing a passenger from a flight due to reasons such as weight and balance requirements or overbooking. Airlines often sell more tickets than there are seats available on a flight, anticipating that some passengers will not show up. However, if all passengers do show up, the airline may need to 'bump' some individuals to ensure safety and compliance with regulations regarding weight distribution and available seating.

When a passenger is bumped, the airline typically provides compensation, such as rebooking them on a later flight, offering vouchers, or other forms of compensation for the inconvenience. This practice is a standard procedure in the airline industry, especially during peak travel times when flights are frequently oversold.