... mechanical problems we had to disembark, and I arranged for some alternate transportation...

After you tell the gate agent you need to take alternate transportation to get to your destination on time, and no mutually agreeable alternate flight can be found, the airline is supposed to refund the pro-rated amount of the itinerary fare you paid corresponding to that portion of your itinerary, leaving future portions intact at your option!

...miles appeared in your account for a flight you took that you did not expect to earn miles...

Keep quiet. Also, it is common in the case of bumping or cancellation rescheduling for restricted tickets to be rebooked as unrestricted. There is a so-so chance you will be caught if you tried to get a refund (limited to the pro-rated fare shown at the lower left corner of the ticket coupon) but you will very likely be able to make changes without paying change fees. And you will very likely be able to select economy plus or exit row seats.

Travel tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/travel.htm


[This message has been edited by AllanJ (edited 10-08-2003).]