Originally Posted by
Lori_Q
To answer your question, they did offer your friend an option - a flight two hours later. I don't think any compensation is due, although he should complain to UA Customer Service.
No compensation is due? I'd beg to differ on that one, and I think you would as well if you'd booked a F ticket and found yourself in C (or a C ticket and ended up in Y).
The OP said the flyer had a confirmed First Class award (not an upgrade). Why wouldn't a downgrade kit be offered here?
By moving someone from a higher class of service to a lower class UA is obligated to compensate them, especially on an intl flight.