Piltdown man, this is probably a stupid question (in keeping with the thread) but,
On an overbooked flight, passengers at the gate were offered £250 cash, the current flight for free flight plus HOTAC and a guarantee to fly the following day
I understand the cash, hotel and next day guarantee, but what does "the current flight for free flight" mean? Do you mean the original cost of the ticket refunded? If so it sounds like a good deal, I would have taken it. Before boarding.