Booked a SYD-AKL-LAX return a while back... Skycouch over and J back. Got an email a few days ago advising that due to an aircraft change my "Seat request" was "unfortunately no longer available" and that I was now in a single Y seat. It went on to say they had refunded the "difference in cost". I assumed the flight over was now scheduled to be operated by an ex CX bird... which is fair enough, BUT I was a bit annoyed that I was just being dictated to. No mention of any other options.

Rang, of course, and made it clear I did NOT want a refund, had no interest in sitting in a single Y seat for that long, and was happy to fly a day before or after to get the product I had purchased. Was then told I could make that change online - and pay the fare difference. I pointed out (rather firmly..lol) that that did not seem terribly fair given NZ was the one making the change... Was put on hold (for the agent to consult a supervisor I suspect)... and then offered the Skycouch for the day before. Quite happy with that, but still peeved that what I see as a significant change was presented simply as a fait accompli....Will be watching my emails closely...