Originally Posted by
enpremiere
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but it happens even to revenue pax ticketed directly into premium cabins and options can be somewhat limited as D0 approaches. Same-model equipment swaps with various premium cabin configurations were the genesis of a number of FT threads post-merger.
Different scenario from what's being discussed in this thread, at least based on the info OP has provided. I've seen involuntary downgrades happen due to equipment swaps (most pertinent now with the reconfiguration of the 788 from 28J to 20J). We're talking here about downgrades in the absence of an equipment swap, presumably to accommodate a paying F pax and/or higher elite who was IRROPS'd from another flight onto the flight in question.
Originally Posted by
AtomicLush
On HKG-DFW-ORD, I was downgraded from confirmed C upgrade (SWU) on DFW-ORD due to IROPS on HKG-DFW causing misconnect and no voucher compensation. I emailed CR and was told I don't get compensation for that. I did receive 10k miles for a broken IFE and overhead light and the 5 hour delay on HKG-DFW, but they refused to give me anything for DFW-ORD downgrade. I even asked to speak with a manager and was told no. I am thinking about filing a formal complaint since it seems to be the norm to get compensation for downgrades.
Again, different scenario. You were the one who was IRROPS'd here, though it is maybe somewhat telling that AA didn't boot someone who had been upgraded by virtue of 500-mile upgrades or EXP/PRO complimentary upgrades for you, a confirmed F pax on an instrument. You could have looked for and requested an alternative flight that had F available (C did not necessarily have to be available), and AA should have reaccommodated you. You should also have been listed as a DSR for top priority for any F seat that becomes available on your rebooked (and downgraded) flight.