Originally Posted by
Washington DC
Astounding.
Yes and no. Reading between the lines, it seems that other (working) seats were available, but nothing that would have enabled
Competency to still sit next to Mrs. Competency. BA would argue that they were able to offer a properly working alternative, but that option was declined. They can't really be on the hook for a huge amount of compensation in this situation.
I'd consider that a cash refund of the seat selection fee would have been appropriate, and possibly a small goodwill gesture (avios, evoucher, etc.).