Originally Posted by hbtr

If you get a new plane because of a mechanical issue would you still say you were "bumped?" Airlines change planes all the time for numerous reasons. I understand why one would care that they were 4 hours late. But unless your seat assignment or class of service was degraded why does it matter that the plane was "different?"

Yes, certainly gross incompetence on AA's part, no argument there. But call it "bumped" if you want, that won't change how the rest of the industry uses the term - and if you were to further complain to AA using that term you should not be surprised if they summarily dismiss your complaint.