Airlines who have a policy of overbooking flights were criticised by a District Court judge this week when he heard that a woman and sick child were refused seats on a flight from Galway to Dublin.
Judge Thomas O'Donnell made his remarks at Galway District Court during the case of a man who lost his temper because his wife and child were not allowed on a flight to Dublin.
"I have to say that it is an absolute disgrace, a woman and a young child that were booked on a flight and were not allowed to fly,' he said. "I have to seriously question the policy of overbooking."
The judge heard there were 50 seats on the regular Aer Lingus Galway-Dublin flight, but it was the airline's policy to sell 52 confirmed tickets. He heard that the first 50 people to check in get seats, while the other two are compensated.
Judge O'Donnell dismissed a charge of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour against the Dublin father.