Originally Posted by TKFrequentFlyer

I encountered a strange situation around 2 months ago with my BA reward ticket and the service center. I don't know what to do at this moment, hopefully someone else is able to provide some more information on what I could do next.

My flight was originally booked for Tuesday October 11 on BA815 and BA444 on Club Europe (CPH-LHR-AMS) as a reward ticket. I found availability on October 10 and got in touch with the call center to move me to the evening flight since it better fitted my schedule. While rebooking on the phone, the agent mentioned that the seat was suddenly booked by someone else. Okay no problem, then I'll keep the flight as it is (so I thought). However, the agent said that since he already removed me from my flight on October 11, I couldn't be placed back since no award seats were available. UHH WHAT?!

So I couldn't be placed back on the flight on October 11, and the flight on October 10 in the evening was also not available anymore. This all happened in a matter of minutes! The agent advised getting the earliest flight possible on Monday, October 10 (at 7am) in economy since it was the only seat left available for the whole week as an award seat and I should act now before that seat is also gone.

In distress I agreed to downgrade me and place me on that flight, however this could only be done after paying the 42.50 euro change fee. Although this was a complete involuntary change, I still had to pay for it! I asked the agent if this fee could be waived since it was an involuntary change but he mentioned his hands are tied.

I wrote BA the same day this all happened, but have not received a response yet (except their last email on November 19 that they are sorry that it takes so long). I asked BA for the following compensation:

- The complete flight ticket cost (+ the 42.50 euro change fee) for the forced cancellation of my ticket on BA
- 250 Euro EU261 Refund since my ticket was canceled without my permission by the airline and moved me to a flight 24 hours earlier as the only available option.
- A full refund of my Avios for the forced downgrade.

I'm not sure if EU261 would apply, but BA was unable to accommodate me on my original flight and had to move me to a flight more than 24 hours before. I haven't even received the difference yet in avios for the downgrade. What else can I do at this point, and is my compensation request valid or am I asking for too much?