Originally Posted by dkc192

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.



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 re-accommodated 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.

Originally Posted by Shawn02139

I think my situation is quite different than a down-gauge; I think in a down-gauge it may make sense to move upgraded pax to the back first.

Incidentally I asked the agent to clarify in writing to me that AA policy is that they will rescind or remove a complimentary upgrade for their operational convenience.The email from the agent specifically referenced the web page on upgrades. The last bullet point states: American Airlines reserves the right to eliminate or restrict the use of upgrades on certain flights and make other such changes at any time without notice. Use of upgrades to any future American Airlines destination is subject to approval.

This is not what I expected. I don't find it responsive to my concern because the language they use refers to policy changes, not operational issues which do not involve policy changes. Had the language read "or make any changes it deems necessary" perhaps that would suffice. But it would be even clearer if they could add "In rare instance, it may be necessary for operational reasons to move upgraded passengers back to their original class of travel - in such instances, the cost of the upgrade (if any) will be returned, but the passenger will not be eligible for any further compensation."Too bad the flight wasn't in the EU....