Originally Posted by
guv1976
If you don't mind the longer routing, you could ask about CX via HKG, or JL via HND. (Even AAdvantage awards between India and North America permit routing via CX across the Pacific.) Not sure if AA would offer you a change of carrier if AA were to offer you a downgrade -- as opposed to IDB -- on 293.
In any case, I would be checking on the day of travel to see whether any of the alternate carriers is selling J for DEL-XXX-NYC, so that you have something specific to ask for in the event of IDB. And you can minimize your chances of being IDB'd by checking in online at the earliest possible moment.
Good luck!
I don't mind taking the same flight a day or two later - just the uncertainty that's mildly annoying - so I'm hoping I just get a call from AA if they're planning on downgrading/IDBing passengers. Outstation staff at DEL + most of the BA options being sold out would make for a very messy night at the airport.
Thanks for the insight, and I'll keep an eye out on my EF alerts.