Did you by chance book the tickets with a credit card offering travel insurance coverage? That would be the easiest way to recoup your money. But, calling AS and seeing what they might do for you isn't a terrible idea. You could HUCA a few times as YMMV on agents and their willingness to break rules. I have admittedly said something to the effect of "hey, don't you want your seats back so you can sell it at a higher price?" That has worked and hasn't worked. But, that was never on a saver fare. Good luck.