I don't work for BR, so I cannot say no chance of seats being released due to their own scheduling, but what usually happens when I have flight schedule changes is that my ticket issuer (Aeroplan) sends me the new routing it generates (usually using its own airline, or perhaps +/- 1 day of the scheduled trip).
Their suggested routing, schedule, or choice of carriers is usually unacceptable to me, so I search using their engine and offer my choice of alternative arrangements (which they usually accept, subject to meeting the original mileage category, but additional taxes, fuel surcharges, and fees are waived).
This being BR, I have found that they issue 1 ticket in RL, and 1 or 2 in economy, but things may open up the closer you get to the trip (I've read people booking multiple tickets in RL, so they do release more than 1).
Originally Posted by
s0ssos
I know that is the policy. I was just wondering if they have the ability to actually make an exception, or they actually cannot make that exception. Because normally you don't cancel 90% of your flights (or whatever it is).
I would think the smart thing is to have a consolidation plan in place, so you ask people if they want to be moved to another flight (basically the only flight that week).
Technically it is not their responsibility, but neither is it their responsibility when people have visa issues (as in not allowed to enter a country) and airlines have been refunding for that reason.