Originally Posted by joet00

We (party of 2) are returning from CUN to YYZ on 13-APR (part of an Air Canada Vacations package, booked thru an Online Travel Agency). Today (11 days before the flight in question, 4 days before departure), I received the wonderful email:



As a result: We've gone from Premium Economy (original itinerary shows Fare Class as E) on a mainline 787 to Economy on a Rouge A321 (it looks like they did rebook us into "Preferred" seats).

Q1. What are our options?

The OTA says they've contacted to "Support" and will hear back in 24-48 hours as to what amount we will be refunded...but that's the least desirable option. A premium cabin (at an affordable price) heavily influenced our purchase decision.

Looking at timetables: Three hours later, there are 2x 777s departing, one to YYZ and YUL. PY on the former would be great, but we could accept a connection in YUL (looking for premium cabins).

Alternatively, is it reasonable to request to be accommodated in Premium Rouge on our current flight? (There is also another Rouge flight, but it lands past 2am.)

Q2. I believe I have to deal with the OTA exclusively. Is that correct?

Prior attempts to contact AC (for seat selection, for example) are intercepted in the IVR and I get transferred to an ACV contact centre (who did end up doing seat assignments for us and not redirecting me to the OTA).

Q3. If we end up coming home in Rouge-Y, what refund/compensation amount would be fair/reasonable? And what path would I follow to push for that? On the day of original purchase, I looked at ticket prices on the AC website. The difference between "Economy Standard" and "Premium Economy" was approaching $700.

EDIT to add Q4: Part of our plan in PY both ways was to bring a third checked bag. If we are flying home on Rouge in Y, the third bag (if it comes home separately - the hope is to nest them) would be additional $50 correct?