Originally Posted by
smitty06
sorry, i dont have the exact flight numbers available. I will try to explain a bit more.
We are travelling from ORD to GIG (rio). We initially booked both legs on US. We were in domestic F and then Envoy for the international portion. The first change was for the domestic portion. The plane was changed from a large plane to a jet (coach only). We objected to the change and were switched to CO flights with domestic F and BusinessFirst for international. Now, I get a phone call from US stating that there is a change to return flight. The change is for the domestic portion of the return flight. We are currently still in F class (so Envoy for international and F domestic). My concern is that there will be another change that will bump us into coach for the domestic portion. Or (gasp, a cancellation of flights). I know this route (GIG) is new for US. Maybe it was a bad idea to book on US. I would feel more comfortable on Continental or United. Unfortunately, when I check their award availability, there is only (easypass/standard) awards. We booked these tickets 5 months ago when there was alot more availability. Should we just suck it up and hope for the best?
Unfortunately, schedule changes occur at every airline usually every 2-3 months. I can understand your fear of losing the F seat, but as you stated, if CO and UA have no award availability, US cannot force them to open up inventory. Also, consider the fact that on the outbound US already switched you to CO F, which is a major upgrade.
The only other option you have is trying to see if Air Canada has any business class availability, but I doubt it since this airline is very stingy with business class awards. And even if they do, at this time US may not let you switch without paying a $200 fee.