People have noticed that LHR/KUL flights have changed timings, but I also just noticed that the aircraft has changed to the 787. I am booked in First on this in Dec/Jan, so this was pretty exciting news for me....

Until:
The only problem is that the new return flight times don't really work for me (I was moved from 0005 on a Sunday to 2345 on a Sunday) so I asked to be put on the Saturday night 2345 flight.

Unfortunately they are saying there is no availability (including commercial) on the Saturday night in First. I have checked and they don't seem to by selling first tickets on that day either. There is availability in Business.

So now I either have to:
- have a downgrade to Business class to fly on the night I want, OR
- book an extra hotel night

What do you think our best option is? I'm most interested in minimising our financial impact (either by getting appropriate compensation for additional costs or for the downgrade). Does EC-261 apply for either the downgrade or delay?

Note, this was booked on an Amex 2-4-1 pre 28th April.