What is an important factor in determining whether a passenger can be bumped from a flight?

The weight and balance of the aircraft is crucial in determining whether a passenger can be bumped from a flight because it directly affects the safety and operational efficiency of the flight. Airlines are required to adhere to specific weight limits based on the aircraft's capacity to ensure safe flight operations. If an aircraft is over its optimal weight limit, airline personnel may need to reassign or bump passengers to achieve the necessary balance and weight distribution for safety reasons.

While frequent flyer status, flight distance, and time of day may influence decisions regarding seating and customer service, they do not hold the same weight in terms of regulatory safety measures. A flight may be full, but if it exceeds safe operating conditions, adjustments will need to be made, potentially resulting in a passenger being bumped to ensure compliance with safety protocols.