Originally Posted by
arollins
AA is not the only one that restrict day pass usage. I had the same thing happened to me last week with UA. They had a sign posted on the entrance indicating that due to capacity issues, daytime passes were not being honored. I still have some time left for mine, but I'm similar situation as OP, most of my travel is international premium cabins.
Oh, I know this isn't
just an AA issue. I just find it puzzling how airlines get away with how they sell and advertise products, put a small disclaimer somewhere that it's based 'on availability', and then proceed to make acting on the product so restrictive that there is no value. It's like selling someone a burrito coupon for $5, put a small disclaimer somewhere that redeeming for a burrito is based on 'availability', and then everytime they come to get use the coupon you say "sorry, we aren't accepting those burrito coupons today because we are busy". At the end of the year, you make the coupon expired.
I think by all means, AA should have to honor a daytime pass someone has in their possession like any other person with access. It seems criminal to sell daytime passes, or provide them as an 'earned choice award', and then put up signs everywhere saying that you aren't honoring them that day.
(and the signs are almost always up. I've seen the signs up at the DFW E location when there was three other travelers inside).