I'm in the middle of a harrowing experience at EWR's AC counter. I've heard something very new (maybe it is very common with AC).

My flt is: EWR-YYZ on Economy, YYZ-FRA on Business, FRA-BKK.......rest of the entire trip on business. Entire trip was on an AC code share flt. The EWR-YYZ flt sector got cancelled today. The TA re-booked me on United from EWR-FRA instead of a EWR-YYZ-FRA routing. But he re-booked me in Economy. When I questioned why it was so, the TA told me that because my EWR-YYZ was in economy they had to re-book the entire trip in Economy. This is the most ludicrous thing I had heard, since the entire route is a revenue tix. When I explained to the TA, he said that it is not possible to re-book me in econommy and I'd have to fly economy and apply for a refund. He convened with his supervisor and re-iterated that they cannot re-book me on United Bus. Class. The supervisor is too busy to come out and talk directly with me.

As of this writing I am still haggling with them, but if somebody can offer suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.