Just checked in at TPA and saw some odd behavior. I'm on the 4:30pm, delayed until 6:00pm. Trying to use the machine to check in, and it tells me I need to see an agent. I am on a Y->AU ticket. Conversation:

BJ: "Hello, it says I have to see an agent."

Agent: "Yes, we're making it do that since all the flights are delayed, and we're moving people to earlier flights. Here you go." <hands BP to BJ>

BJ: "This is a Coach seat. I would like a First Class seat."

Agent: "No First Class available on that flight; this is all we have."

BJ: "Uh... you changed me without asking?"

Agent: "Yes, I thought you'd want to go as soon as possible."

BJ: "My original flight is only an hour later. Please put be back in First on that flight."

Agent: "OK <type>, here you go." <hands BP for 3B>

BJ: "I had 2F. I would like 2F back."

Agent: "OK."

I'm no complaining, but IMHO, it's *strange* to change someone to an earlier flight and change their class if service without asking. I would have expected something like:

"Mr. [BJ], I can put you on the earlier flight, but only in Coach. Would you like to switch and give up First Class? I can waitlist you for F."

What's odd is that she was unable to waitlist me directly for F without the computer giving me a Y seat. I guess that's b/c I'm on a Y(AU) ticket.

What would have happened differently if I had spent the extra $40 for A?

Not upset, but it was odd.

FWIW, my flight is BF-equipped and now less delayed. ^