Originally Posted by
channa
Even if they book you into a revenue class, you wouldn't get miles. UA's systems are very good about that.
I've been rerouted/bumped/rebooked/etc. on award tickets a few times on UA -- none of them generated miles.
I've had occasional experiences to the contrary during IRROPS and re-bookings, getting actual miles on award tickets. YMMV
OP, this is worth a very strenuous complaint to UA, and should net you a good amount of RDMs at a minimum. Surprising that they couldn't figure out a way to get a 1K to their destination. (I've been doing a lot of mileage ticket flying recently, and have been very impressed with how well I have been treated by UA--they aren't required to do much, but they know it's in their best interests to make you happy given your flying pattern)