I tried internet check-in that day but was told by the site that the system was `down`. Enroute to the airport I even tried calling the CX res desk but as it was a Sunday, it was closed - but the recording did not even indicate the airport phone number which I would have called beforehand.

The issues here are simply that if I arrived even 5 minutes after the check-in deadline then I will have no legitimate reason to be be annoyed that I was denied boarding. But I was not. Plus it was not another Business Class passenger who had taken my seat, but rather an upgraded no-status tour group low revenue economy class passenger. (I apologize to whoever travels on tour group tickets, I do not mean to sound rude).

On AA flights, I know of examples when a passenger was upgraded from coach and when a full fare first class passenger shows up, that passneger sitting in 1A will be downgraded back to coach. So why can:t CX do it here..... "Hey you! Back to the back of the bus... or better still, YOU ARE BEING OFFLOADED to make way for a full fare Business Class passenger"

Isn`t this what STATUS is all about? Isn`t CX desperate to keep its full fare paying passengers?

I have written to Customer Relations and cc`d the lettter to Mr David Turnbull, CEO of Cathay Pacific. Customer Relations have replied to say that they will reply to me as soon as possible once they investigate.

I simply asked that :
1) A full explanation of the events.
2) An apology from the TG and his superiors as to his sort of behavior. Why did he act on his own accord and released J class space to economy class passengers.
3) That we be accorded the status mileage as though we had taken the CX flight.
4) That we be considered for an automatic renewal of MPO Club membership. (Fat chance but no harm trying)
5) That we be offered some sort of compensation similar to other Oneworld partners namely AA and BA. (another fatchance but again, better tried than never)

I shall keep you all informed of the outcome.