It may be more common than you think. From 1999 to 2004 I was an engineer for a IBM partner, and did transatlantic trips at least once a month, often more. IBM policy was to fly AA whenever possible, so that's what the majority of my flights were. By the time I got status, I'd already been bumped from Y to C three or four times on transatlantic flights. At time I was in my early to mid twenties, and travelled in t-shirts and chinos - I never wore a suit. I almost always travelled alone, and on a full fare flexible economy ticket.