Originally Posted by
PresRDC
There's no grounds for a legal challenge as they tell you upfront in the XONEX fare rules that downgrades can happen and that you are not entitled to compensation.
I wonder if you are referring to this clause:
NOTE: For flights where First or Business Class is not offered or available, passengers may travel in a lower Class, in the applicable booking code for that lower Class. The fare for the highest Class used applies, without compensation
I think this means that when you book an AONEx, and F is not offered on a particular segment, then you can "voluntarily" downgrade to J or Y, but there is no adjustment of the AONEx fare.
OP's case is a bit different: he was involuntarily downgraded on day of flight (perhaps due to IRROPS) and therefore was entitled to some sort of compensation (though it seems remarkably generous!) I think others have reported receiving compensation in similar cases.
Unfortunately I have fallen between both cases, as I booked four segments in F on CX, but they canceled F service on those routes after I booked, but weeks or months before the date of flight. It's annoying, but no compensation due.
Happy Travels.