Originally Posted by timesnaps

Checked in online but got a message that I had to collect the boarding pass from the counter the next day. When I arrived at the counter to collect boarding passes they were asking for volunteers to downgrade to Premium Economy, as they had swapped the aircraft in the morning from the A330 to the A340. (That A340 has less business class seats as the A330 I understand).

So I was being offered US 200 cash and a 'Appreciation Card' (upgrade voucher) whilst putting me in PEY with the seat next to me blocked. Good option I think in retrospect, as the 'herringbone' layout of the old business class is not that spacious, and almost impossible to look out the window.

So there you have it. Airlines overbook flights regularly, and while they have to honour some bookings for their gold members etc, they will ask others for a volunteer downgrade or change of flight, with added extras.