Originally Posted by number_6
This is one of the risks that you take when you hold a reservation and choose to delay ticketing. Prior to ticketing -- any changes are your problem (and risk). After ticketing, any changes are the airline's problem. If you had already been ticketed, then IB would have reaccomodated you automatically (albeit in the inimitable surly IB style). They aren't obliged to put you on the best possible alternative, but to offer some alternative (which may even be to fly another airline). Next time get the ticket issued and then you will be protected.
Yes, you're absolutely correct
number_6. Since posting, I've finally been able to speak to a knowledgeable agent and she echoed pretty much what you've said. Since my reservation was not yet ticketed, IB was under no obligation to protect me on another flight. Funny thing is, however, I tried to ticket this reservation last Friday and AA had some sort of computer glitch that prevented the agent from completing the transaction. I believe the cancelled segment was still showing as operating at that time, and was subsequently cancelled over the weekend. I was travelling and didn't have time to do the ticketing, again, until Monday and then learned of the cancellation. Oh well, c'est la vie. It all worked out OK in the end as I opted to take a voluntary downgrade to Y in order to get a later departure from GVA on a non-stop to BCN. Since it's only an hour and a half "in the back," I think I can handle it. The J available alternative involved a MAD connection and a 12:30am BCN arrival, not a particularly attractive option. Right now, with the Y seat, I get in to BCN at 9:30pm. Much better IMHO.