First oif all, all should be warned that this happens. When using CCs to buy airline tickets online in various international destinations, keep the card even if "dead".

But the airline action at the gate sucks, and 100% deserves the ability to dispute via the CC. They took the money (when you first paid), then said they would not accept accept the CC for whatever reasons. If they refuse to accept the CC payment, they can not charge the card.

A decent airline would be far more reasonable. When I had this issue with EVA they were willing to call into Amex. While waitimg for it to be cleared, they explained that if it could not be resolved, they could charge my new card and the other charge would be canceled. A pain-in-the-butt, but a reasonable solution.

But please all, keep the old cards and avoid this :-)