Originally Posted by
Mwenenzi
xAONEx rules clearly state you fly in lower cabin if your class (fare bucket) is not available
Nothing in the rules about compensation.
100's of people have bought A or D and flown in a lower cabin
From rule sheet downloaded a few days ago ...
That
only is relevant to when actually booking the flights.
Once booked in A (or D) (in respect to the xONEx fare rules) that class is rightfully yours.
For example, if an EU carrier downgrades you (or you get downgraded on an ex EU flight) and you travel in a lessor cabin than booked, you are entitled to up to 75% of the "price of the ticket" in compensation.
Now, to the OP.
In this case it is a tough one. I doubt even EU legislation would cover the situation.
Your postscript says it all. CX did rebook you in an alternative of the same class cabin. Maybe they were trying to help. In any case AA did what they could and put you on the flight. They had no compulsion to do so;
christep is correct - effectively you voluntarily accepted a downgrade so as to continue travel.
In any case, ORC should be available - you don't indicate what programme you were putting the Frequent Flyer miles/points to.
As for Bussing instead of taking a 20 minute flight - if that little flight was part of your booking be very careful; To not actually fly a segment of a booking could result in the remainder of the booking's segments being cancelled.