Originally Posted by
Never Stansted
So on that basis I should have rejected the downgrade and insisted on the next flight in the same travel class, even if several days later, and billed BA for the duty of care? Even if seats in the higher class later became available on earlier flights?
It is hardly worth thinking about Mennens on short-haul downgrades as the amounts it spits out are generally paltry.
At the time you accept a downgrade you do so because it’s the best option at the time. If the best option subsequently improves it seems completely reasonable that the inconvenienced passenger should be allowed to take advantage of that. On this morning’s flight (where I asked to be moved back to CE at T-60) the alternative was very likely me sat in Y and an empty seat in J, which seems like a ridiculous outcome.
As I said I’m in 2 minds on this one. BA have 100% fulfilled their obligation in rebooking at the earliest opportunity albeit with a downgrade and the law doesn’t state if the best option subsequently improves it seems completely reasonable for the inconvenienced passenger to be allowed to take advantage of that. For example you could be rerouted SIN-DOH-LHR, rebooked then a seat becomes available on the SIN-LHR flight so BA rebook you on that automatically, you don’t notice and rock up for the QR flight to find you’ve missed your rebooked flight.
Common sense would be a standby upgrade but in irrops the situation can and will be fluid and difficult to mange automatically or manually especially with airports being unable to reticket.
Would you prefer it if the airport said I can’t reinstate you as we don’t do ticketing here go away and call reservations which could be a zoo if there’s mass irrops.