A couple of years ago we were waiting for our flight, never mind covid there were many other airline things that could get you kicked off a plane, my wife and I were not giving up our seat. The flight was over booked by 4 seats and all passengers were checked in. The poor girl at the check-in desk was told to make it work. 2 people that were not in the area were called 2x, no show, so the over booking was now 2 seats. They were asking anyone in the waiting area to give up their seats, the price was 2000 in cash each plus hotel. We had a connecting flight so too bad for us.
A couple of years ago we were waiting for our flight, never mind covid there were many other airline things that could get you kicked off a plane, my wife and I were not giving up our seat. The flight was over booked by 4 seats and all passengers were checked in. The poor girl at the check-in desk was told to make it work. 2 people that were not in the area were called 2x, no show, so the over booking was now 2 seats. They were asking anyone in the waiting area to give up their seats, the price was 2000 in cash each plus hotel. We had a connecting flight so too bad for us.