Originally Posted by
USAF_Retired
I would like to see some data points on how often downgrades actually occur. Yes, we hear about a downgrade about once a year...and that's only because someone has a strong SM presence and wants to let the world know their business. I would imagine the downgrade rate is extremely low and shouldn't be something most people should worry about. I've been flying for over thirty years on mostly booked FC and have never been downgraded. I have taken cash vouchers a few times on overbooked flights where I volunteered to give up my seat.
In my experience, the majority of downgrades are due to IROPS, not a straight downgrade - flight goes MX, resulting in having to get rebooked on a different flight/routing with whatever limited inventory is left. Frequently, it is Y, especially if there are multiple passengers. In this case, the pittance AA throws is insulting.
It has happened to me 5+ times in 2025. It got to the point that I started canceling my flights on AA and booking walkup UA fares, usually F. They often cost the same or less and didn't result in a disaster delay.