Ventures, I experienced the same thing back in September. I had a AONEW4 fare similar to yours. Your ticket is definitely a first class ticket on a 3 class service!

In September, I wanted to take an earlier flight that the one I was booked on. It was a 3 class domestic service. When I arrived, they don't me that there were no first class seats. Then I heard someone ask for an upgrade to first class and the agent processed it. Upon hearing that, I immediately went up to them telling saying that I had a PAID RTW 1st class ticket so why did you tell me there are no 1st class seats? They told me that my A class ticket is an upgrade from economy ticket. I know that AA has used 'A' class for different things: RTW 1st, discounted 1st, and upgrade from coach which is probably what the agents see the most. I told them that I had paid $X,XXX so it was no way a coach ticket. I showed them the price of the ticket and then they began to believe me.

They then called the AA international fare desk to verify that the AONEW4 fare is really a first class ticket. It was verified and everything was okay and I got my seat. I didn't even bother to ask them why they told me there were no seats in first.

My suggestion: If the agent does not agree, ask them to call the AA International Fare desk who are familiar with the RTW fare codes and rules and they will clarify it.


[This message has been edited by bagold (edited 12-15-2000).]