Sure airlines overbook - but most get it right, and apologise competently when they stuff up. My guess is the planes were filled with Indians and Philipinos, who we all know are treated like sh1t - so no surprise there.

When I flew QA to the Seychelles they sat my wife on the other side of the plane/row with two single men between us - how stupid do they have to be to put two single people together and split a couple.

Love Emirates airline though - superb planes and fantastic service...