Originally Posted by
lotemblizej
Thanks for the two very helpful points. The checkin agent actually told them they should ask United to refund half their round-trip ticket cost, but I was thinking EC261 compensation should apply here as they are reaching their destination with a 24 hour delay (as currently planned) due to reasons under United's control. So your suggestion helps me to point them towards the compensation they are owed,.
refund 1/2 r/t cost??? That's a wild suggestion. Go for EC reg261 - easy case
Originally Posted by
findark
In practice, I think the ATH staff did (and will) take off the people without seat assignments since it's much easier for them. Doubt status or fare class actually enters into it; if they were following policy they would have gone for volunteers. Losing seat assignment in a downgauge is random and doesn't respect status or fare class.
Mmmm, YMMV, I would say. I have had seats assigned and a seat that still existed - as a 1K on a paid J ticket - and I was booted. Also have had a seat re-assigned elsewhere on the plane and others got booted. IME, once you have checked in, that is an extra layer of protection as the flight coupon is now in use.