A client was downgraded on UA106 IAD-MUC tonight from J to PP.
He showed up at the gate and it was claimed his seat was needed for crew rest since the crew rest area was "broken."
He has Plat status and was on a JN fare.
He resisted and gate agent told him that he had to take the downgrade or he was not flying. He had me on the phone and I told him to negotiate a $10,000 voucher for the trouble. UA agreed to $2,500, which has already been delivered. Still not worthwhile for him...money is not a problem.
He's also due the difference in miles, but sadly the difference between J and PP is usually only about 36K (122K v 158K) - I'll have to reach out to UA.
Not sure why he was chosen, but he had to be in Munich tomorrow morning he just gave in and accepted the downgrade.