BA defends overbooking policy

Airline says it's policy accommodates for no-shows

An airline says it hasn't gone against the grain with its booking policy.

British Airways has released a statement after making the headlines yesterday when a woman with a valid ticket was prevented from flying.

Madeline Simpson was turned away because BA had sold more tickets than they had seats.

The firm says it frequently operates an overbooking policy to accommodate for no-shows.

BA has defended its policy, saying it's not uncommon and that many airlines have similar practices.

It says experience shows some people who book never turn up for their flight, preventing others who want to travel from obtaining a seat on the plane.

A statement released says any customers, such as Ms Simpson, who are refused onto a flight due to overbooking are offered a financial sum and a booking on an alternative flight.