I booked MIA-LAX on a 3 class 777. Booked as an "A" fare, first class on aa.com.

Flight showed as 3 class 777 when booked, so not any kind of AA -UP type fare as far as I could see on AA.com as business was also offered for a slightly lower price.

So yesterday I received a schedule change email -- same flight number, same equipment, same time. Shows ticket exchanged (where payment would show on confirmation email -- it now says "exchange") and now I am booked in Business, fare class C.

Called AA. First agent said it's an error, I'm back in 3J. Will show on aa.com in 15 minutes.

Nothing happens on aa.com so I call back. Agent baffled, connects me to supervisor. Supervisor apologizes, says I should have never been put in first class for this ticket. Understood that I had confirmed ticket in first class cabin, but neither she nor aa.com support could figure out and move me back up to F. Best she could do was refund some negligible difference she saw between A and C fare.

There is still availability in F on my flight and it is still being sold. I'm beyond pissed. Should I file a DOT complaint? Any other ideas? This is bait and switch, pure and simple.