Number Of The Day | 10% | 21 May 2026
10%.
That is today’s Number of the Day.
Gareth Edwards and Francis Herd look at the FlySafair overbooking fight now heading to the National Consumer Tribunal, where the airline could face a fine of up to 10% of its annual turnover.
The issue starts with a simple question: if you pay for a flight, should that seat be guaranteed?
Gareth points out that overbooking is common in the airline industry, but asks whether global practice should settle the matter for South African consumers. Francis explains the airline argument that overbooking can help keep fares lower by accounting for passengers who do not arrive.
But then comes the human cost. Around 5,000 customers were allegedly overbooked during the period being discussed. For the airline, that may be a small percentage. For a traveller, it could mean missing a funeral, a work trip, a family emergency or something that cannot be rescheduled.
10%. One airline. One tribunal fight. One uncomfortable question about what consumers are actually buying when they book a seat.
Catch up on all Number of the Day episodes here: https://www.enca.com/number-day-podcast
