OP:

What was the cost of your redemption in Miles & Fees & Taxes? I see awards starting at 8K miles + $54 fees & taxes with the partner award booking fee.

The walk-up fare is £100 or ~$126 USD.

At a modest 1.5 cpm valuation, 8K AS miles is USD $120 USD plus $54 in fees & taxes = $174

I would say you are ahead of the game with an 8K miles redemption and significantly ahead of the game if the redemption was 15K miles

The revenue ticket also earns the minimum 500 mile EQM/RDM which has a value of $7.50 without any Elite Bonus.

AS reservation agents are available 24 hours a day. I would have attempted anyway.

AS isn't going to liable for any damages beyond a full refund, including the partner booking fee. However, as a customer service gesture, AS might provide additional miles or a discount code.

I certainly wouldn't go in with mention of small claims court. My approach would be. This is what happened, how can I be assured it won't happen in the future? They are more likely to throw some funny money your way.

James