I had a really interesting episode yesterday; I was returning from LAS via YVR to YYC, and after landing at YVR, I found that AC206 was canceled. I checked the incoming FIN 539, which was still in flight and not due to land for another 25 minutes, I received the standard we will rebook you within 30 min text and then another stating we are sorry we are still trying to rebook you. I checked Flightradar and found Fin 539 is now AC 212 and leaving in 1.5 hours. I went down to customer service outside the lounge, and after standing in the priority line for 20 minutes, I was told there was no availability until AC 224 at 18:55 (Fin 539). While in line, I witnessed at least four others get booked on AC 212. When I asked if I wanted to speak with a manager, which I did, she was very nice, but what she told me did not make much sense. She explained that since I was flying J class, the auto tool would only rebook me into J space, and it first looked for Handicap and limited access and then J, so since no J was available until 18:55, that was my only choice.I explained that I wanted the earliest flight. After all, I am 50K and should have some advantage over the basic economy.
Has anyone else heard of this J class rule?