Originally Posted by
alphagirl
Booked first class ticket (8 months before flight) and had seats assigned (we were one of the first ones) on direct United flight (the only one daily from Edmonton to Houston).
Husband randomly checked reservation (still 2 months away) and we have been moved to a much earlier, non-direct flight. The original flight still exists (never changed) and first class is now full! Someone has ?bumped ?manouevred us off this flight onto another inferior and inconvenient flight. No notice from United. Phoned agent - "can't explain it". Told to contact customer services.
Has anyone else had this happen??? What is it called? And can anything be done about it?
It is called "bumping" you. United is trying to avoid an IDB (involuntary denied boarding) by moving you ahead of time, and then they sold the seat to someone else....
I would call United, tell them that they have changed what you paid for and in essence bumped you, and they either give you back your seats on this flight or you are filing a complaint with the Aviation Consumer Protection United of the US department of transportation.
They should give you back your seats, and if not, file a complaint, and let DOT have them explain themselves. Link is here:
https://www.transportation.gov/airco...umer-complaint