+1"When an oversale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren't in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily"
Ok, this was not done here, but there's a section about involuntary too. Still, this was a doctor in need to get to patients, close enough to be in a hurry, but let's see the involuntary part too.
"DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. Those travelers who don't get to fly are frequently entitled to denied boarding compensation in the form of a check or cash."
Was he given a statement in written form before being removed by force? No clue, I doubt it.
And he was already on the flight, so this law seems to apply BEFORE you get on a flight since it talks about who GETS ON. He was already on.
"The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold fewer than 30 passengers."
Not the case.
"Airlines set their own "boarding priorities" -- the order in which they will bump different categories of passengers in an oversale situation. When a flight is oversold and there are not enough volunteers, some airlines bump passengers with the lowest fares first. Others bump the last passengers to check in. Once you have purchased your ticket, the most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early."
He was there in time. he had boarded. Doesn't apply.
"Airlines may offer free tickets or dollar-amount vouchers for future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference. Once you cash the check (or accept the free flight), you will probably lose the ability to pursue more money from the airline later on. However, if being bumped costs you more money than the airline will pay you at the airport, you can try to negotiate a higher settlement with their complaint department. If this doesn't work, you usually have 30 days from the date on the check to decide if you want to accept the amount of the check. You are always free to decline the check (e.g., not cash it) and take the airline to court to try to obtain more compensation. DOT's denied boarding regulation spells out the airlines' minimum obligation to people they bump involuntarily. Finally, don't be a "no-show." If you are holding confirmed reservations you don't plan to use, notify the airline. If you don't, they will cancel all onward or return reservations on your trip."
Oh, would you look at this, you can take the company to court even if you were denied BOARDING. This man had already boarded, so this makes the situation one that is not under the current code you linked.
./10characters