Originally Posted by
Kiwi Flyer
The difference is if the pax chooses to ticket even though the class allowed by the fare is not available, vs the airline taking away a paid for class after ticketing.
I agree some compensation is warranted and/or change to other suitable flight in at least the cabin paid for. Otherwise there is nothing to stop airlines downgrading every leg for everyone on first or business class fare. I expect you would not be happy to be thus affected.
There is no difference whether the airline changes the flight before or after the ticket is issued.
I have had situation this year where I had a full F going back to UK and CX close to departure removed F from the SYD-HKG service I was booked on. I noticed since I was checking my booking a week before departure and so I had to choose between staying on that flight in J or finding another option.
I elected to rebook on another flight, albeit having to go via Melbourne rather than the more conveniant SYD-HKG.
The situation would have been the same if I had only found out at check in time. I doubt that there would have been any fare difference to refund if I had chosen to stay on the booked flight
Dave