Originally Posted by
Djokison
No, as far as I can remember, this rule has been around for a long time. (Though it might not have been strictly enforced.) Perhaps all the other times you did it, your original fare class was available?
+1, I've encountered this rule a few times, even 3 or 4 years ago. I do agree that enforcement might be more strict now -- AA management seems to be hell-bent on making sure even top customers aren't treated nicely once in a while...