Yea, I agree the problem is not auctioning seats high enough. But the proximate issue is that United didn't offer cash, but $800 in United Fun Bux that are worthless for most people. The vouchers they were offering were only valid at dates United decided. The vouchers expired after a year. And they are offered in coupons for which you can only use one coupon per flight, and the excess value is lost.
Practically all news outlets are reporting that "United offered $800 in compensation", but the reality is that it's closer to $0 in compensation. It's disingenuous to call it "compensation".
A better move on the airline's part would be to offer some amount of airline credit, and then half that in cold, hard cash, at least up to $2,700 credit / $1,350 cash, which is what they have to give you for an involuntary bump.
Practically all news outlets are reporting that "United offered $800 in compensation", but the reality is that it's closer to $0 in compensation. It's disingenuous to call it "compensation".
A better move on the airline's part would be to offer some amount of airline credit, and then half that in cold, hard cash, at least up to $2,700 credit / $1,350 cash, which is what they have to give you for an involuntary bump.