The ONLY time I have seen an overbooked flight, which was due to a previous cancellationn, the passengers who could not fit on were given standby tickets and were told AT THE GATE if they could make the flight or not.
Unless you were at check in very last minute, I can't see how they could tell you that it was a full flight as they wouldn't know this until departure - 40 when the check in officially closes. Even then, online check ins often don't turn up and that's why there are always 5 or so spare seats even on a fully booked flight.
Last edited by EcamSurprise; 10th January 2013 at 21:30.