Originally Posted by
Liam Walshe
I had an issue earlier this year when flying LAS-LAX-IAD-YYZ (don't ask!). There was a crew-related delay of 2+ hours on the LAX-IAD segment that would make me miss my ongoing connection.
I had a UA-issued P class ticket and was originally booked on a Polaris 772. Asked to be rebooked on a non-stop LAX-YYZ flight on AC, and they insisted they could only do it in Y because P class wasn't available - only full J. I refused. They also offered an option on a 739 - also no thanks. I told them to leave things as they were and I'd simply seek my free hotel and $1000 APPR compensation afterwards. The person at the UA desk was quite rude throughout the interaction.
I walked away and was getting a virtual agent on the app when suddenly I got a notification saying I'd been rebooked on the AC flight - in full J.
The only thing I can think of that may have made them change their mind is the DPNA code on the reservation. My understanding is that once they see someone is a PWD, there's a lot more flexibility, and that a PWD is second in priority for any sort of rebooking - with an unaccompanied minor being the only other person who would be rebooked ahead of a PWD.
Under Canadian passenger regulations UA was required to rebook on any airline they have a commercial agreement with in the same cabin. I can tell you I know for a fact that when Air Canada rebooks it's always done cabin to cabin if seats are available. The booking code is irrelevant.
I had that problem with AA earlier this year when a low-level employee refused to rebook in business class despite my having a business ticket.
Talked to a supervisor and showed him the regulation and in the end got the seat that I was entitled to.
l'll never understand why some airline employees are reluctant to rebook cabin to cabin. It's not like the money is coming out of their pockets.