Originally Posted by
Deltahater
The reason for AA50 cx was mechanical. I thought I was covered under EC261/2004 but then I read that it only covers EU airlines on flights TO the EU and all airlines on flights FROM the EU. Please prove me wrong
The upgrade to J was with an eVIP
We were booked AUS-DFW-LON// VIE-FRA-DFW-AUS on AA and a separate ticket on LH for LON-FRA. I had to visit several clients and traveled continental Europe by car.
I did not have enough evips to upgrade all of us, so I upgraded my wife and daughter, who is 2. All traveled on paid tickets. I did however, lose my exit row seat because the gate agent insisted that since my daughter is on the plane, I can't sit there. Nevermind that she was with my wife and on a separate PNR for that very reason.
The GA claimed to have talked to other pax but no one was willing to move. I found that hard to believe but it was 20-30 mins before departure and I had no desire to argue or discuss.
The bags were lost on the return flight home.
1. You are correct. AA 0050 is not a codeshare on BA metal, so no EC261/2004 comp is due.
2. You had an eVIP and you were bumped by an EXP??? How is that possible?
Did you get your eVIP back?
4. Daughter is 2, so she is an infant. You could've put her on your / your wife's lap, but I won't fault you here. Despite this, there were a number of ways of avoiding the downgrade here. Since the downgrade was voluntary on your part, I should hope that the eVIPs were not redeemed here.
Okay, based on the information you gave me here is what I think is reasonable: a voucher of $400,-/pax. This will cover all of the non-refundable expenses you incurred. Further, I think 20000 - 25000 miles / pax is also warranted given the bump from J on the outbound flight, the severity of your travel interruption, the missed meetings and the lost baggage.
File your complaint with AA Customer Relations. Be detail-specific. Do not get emotional. I personally wouldn't mention the return flight downgrade, but YMMV. Spell out that you want the comp I've recommend above. I am sure you will get a sympathetic ear on this matter.
Best wishes and let us know how it turns out.