How to get into new business class on previously booked flight
Sep 23, 2016, 11:32 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 143
How to get into new business class on previously booked flight
I booked an international business class fare from the US through DUS on AB a few months ago. $4,xxx fare in "I" class. The connections within Europe did not have a business class cabin so I was in a front "XL" seat or something like that in coach.
I just received an email that they have added business class to one of my flights, and as a result I will be moved further back in the cabin as part of the reseating process.
I called them and explained that I paid for an "I" fare, and that the fare was business class, but I was seated in coach originally because they didn't offer it. Now that they do offer business class, I would like to be seated there. They were very nasty and rude and said no. They quoted $800 for the change. I asked a supervisor and finally he told me that they would need to reprice the whole fare in "D" basis because one of the other legs is no longer available in "I" - of course I'm taking up a seat in I currently.
The people on the phone were very rude and unhelpful. I didn't try the AB gold number (I have a card but it's at home) so this was just the standard US line, pressing 1 for business class.
Anyway, do you think it's worth it to try again at the gold line? Or any other ideas? Am I totally crazy to think that since I paid for international business class they should seat me in the new biz on the short haul legs?
I just received an email that they have added business class to one of my flights, and as a result I will be moved further back in the cabin as part of the reseating process.
I called them and explained that I paid for an "I" fare, and that the fare was business class, but I was seated in coach originally because they didn't offer it. Now that they do offer business class, I would like to be seated there. They were very nasty and rude and said no. They quoted $800 for the change. I asked a supervisor and finally he told me that they would need to reprice the whole fare in "D" basis because one of the other legs is no longer available in "I" - of course I'm taking up a seat in I currently.
The people on the phone were very rude and unhelpful. I didn't try the AB gold number (I have a card but it's at home) so this was just the standard US line, pressing 1 for business class.
Anyway, do you think it's worth it to try again at the gold line? Or any other ideas? Am I totally crazy to think that since I paid for international business class they should seat me in the new biz on the short haul legs?
Sep 24, 2016, 1:18 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 257
I am not sure yet but it seems they just do not apply their own rules back-dated on existing bookings. A great way to upset all clients and it shows that the whole continental business class project is just a marketing project rather than enhancing the quality. I have booked four flights in Economy class before they erased free food/drink from their service: They also seem not to honour that I have paid for a full service flight and now have additional costs on board. I will try during the flights again and let you know if I have a better than expected experience.
I recommend to call them several times, especially on the gold line, maybe write a formal complaint too. Maybe management becomes aware of the fact that their recent "enhancements" are upsetting almost all passenger segments ... and maybe they become more flexibel and customer-oriented by that. Good luck and please let us know should you be successful.
I recommend to call them several times, especially on the gold line, maybe write a formal complaint too. Maybe management becomes aware of the fact that their recent "enhancements" are upsetting almost all passenger segments ... and maybe they become more flexibel and customer-oriented by that. Good luck and please let us know should you be successful.
Sep 26, 2016, 9:03 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BER (awaiting opening!) / POZ
Programs: BA, IB, LH, U2
Posts: 35
We are talking a German company here.
Customer Service, in the sense it is known in Anglo Saxon/Asian companies, or Latin family businesses, is not really understood.
So I would be surprised if you get anywhere.
Customer Service, in the sense it is known in Anglo Saxon/Asian companies, or Latin family businesses, is not really understood.
So I would be surprised if you get anywhere.
Sep 26, 2016, 3:15 pm
#4
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,638
I booked an international business class fare from the US through DUS on AB a few months ago. $4,xxx fare in "I" class. The connections within Europe did not have a business class cabin so I was in a front "XL" seat or something like that in coach.
I just received an email that they have added business class to one of my flights, and as a result I will be moved further back in the cabin as part of the reseating process.
I called them and explained that I paid for an "I" fare, and that the fare was business class, but I was seated in coach originally because they didn't offer it. Now that they do offer business class, I would like to be seated there. They were very nasty and rude and said no. They quoted $800 for the change. I asked a supervisor and finally he told me that they would need to reprice the whole fare in "D" basis because one of the other legs is no longer available in "I" - of course I'm taking up a seat in I currently.
The people on the phone were very rude and unhelpful. I didn't try the AB gold number (I have a card but it's at home) so this was just the standard US line, pressing 1 for business class.
Anyway, do you think it's worth it to try again at the gold line? Or any other ideas? Am I totally crazy to think that since I paid for international business class they should seat me in the new biz on the short haul legs?
I just received an email that they have added business class to one of my flights, and as a result I will be moved further back in the cabin as part of the reseating process.
I called them and explained that I paid for an "I" fare, and that the fare was business class, but I was seated in coach originally because they didn't offer it. Now that they do offer business class, I would like to be seated there. They were very nasty and rude and said no. They quoted $800 for the change. I asked a supervisor and finally he told me that they would need to reprice the whole fare in "D" basis because one of the other legs is no longer available in "I" - of course I'm taking up a seat in I currently.
The people on the phone were very rude and unhelpful. I didn't try the AB gold number (I have a card but it's at home) so this was just the standard US line, pressing 1 for business class.
Anyway, do you think it's worth it to try again at the gold line? Or any other ideas? Am I totally crazy to think that since I paid for international business class they should seat me in the new biz on the short haul legs?
^