Originally Posted by
Northern Canuck
So you are saying AC couldn't link the PNRs within 24 hrs of departure (if in fact there were two PNRs, we don't know we are just assuming) and the agent could not block the kid from being bumped once his age was known? Why would AC say they didn't deal directly with the passengers when they were talking to an AC agent the day before departure?
You are right, not every family has an SE to explain the rules when booking. Maybe if the rules are so intricate and inflexible, AC should be explaining them during the booking process. An easy fix to this problem would have been if AC asked for the DOB of every passenger booking like they do for international travel.
You misunderstood. I was saying that the ticket itself probably couldn't just be changed from an "adult passenger" to a "child passenger" without re-issuance. Linking the PNRs can still be done even at the gate, but not every traveller knows that and certainly not every agent knows this either. I have had some agents who think linking PNRs is only to ensure that the checked bags are tagged straight through and not to ensure connections or IRRPPS protection.
You and I agree on one thing though - that AC should be requiring DOB on all tickets. This way the computer algorithms can be built to allow free seat selection for travellers with children, and blocking IDB for children and at least one accompanying adult. When I was part of the YMM evacuation last year from the aerodromes, men working alone at site without family were the last ones to board. IDB algorithm should be looking for lone passengers first, and then fares and etc.