Last week I was bumped from first to coach because of an equipment change. I had purchased a full Y ticket and upgraded it at time of purchase with Plat status.

I can somehow accept that if such a fiasco occurs, those paying for a higher fare class are last in line for bumping. What I do not accept was CO insistence that no compensation was due since I flew the class paid for.

As I tried to explain to the gate agent, the Y fare was significantly more than the nonrefundable fare. I purchased Y simply becasue I wanted the upgrade. As fare as I am concerned, Y is a form of discounted first. Therefore I should be refunded the difference between Y and the lowest fare on day of booking.

I accept that this infromation may not be available to a gate agent, but that doesn't change the principle of the thing. CO needs a process to refund appropriately.

After some back and forth, they gave me a Denied Boarding document and a $150 voucher. After reading the Denoied Board document, it appears that minimum compensation under that rule is $200.

I intend to go after at least the additional $50 and press a case for the fare difference as described above.

Comments?