Downgrade from First to Business due to equipment
Last month I bought a first class ticket from PHL to MAD via FRA for June of 2016. The price was quite good, so I pulled the trigger. I booked the ticket through LH.com (it was fully paid in $ and not miles) and picked the seats in A346. Weeks later I checked the price again and found out that F cabin will no longer be offered on this route and it will be services by LH Cityline in A343 from late 2015 onwards, which has no first class.
My return flight is on Swiss ZRH to ORD in first and I presume that it will not change…
Having read several threads on this topic I need to figure out a best strategy to deal with the situation.
I understand that it is possible to request a compensation for the change which amounts to 75% of the ticket, although Im not clear if its the 75% of the portion to FRA or for the R/T.
One of my goals for the trip is to visit FCT in FRA, since I have a long layover, and plan to have a guest with me at the terminal.
If I accept the downgrade will it be possible to access the terminal? If not is there a possibility of requesting to fly out of JFK or ORD which do offer first class cabin.
Appreciate thought and suggestions...