I recently returned from MXP to SFO with a stopover in IAD. On my outbound flight, from IAD to MXP we were two hours out when the pilot realized there was a problem with the back up rudder control system and we were forced to turn back.(no complaint from me) A long story short, we were re-directed on a flight to FRA and put on a Lufthansa flight to Milan. In all, we were over 10 hours late.

So when checking in for my return flight, I used a SWU to get to C. I also mentioned what a hassel it was to get to Milan. She was familiar with the problems that flight had and said "I gave you a little something special on your Washington/San Francisco flight for your problems." I looked at the boarding pass and noticed it was 2 A&B in a 3 cabin 767. GREAT! First Class! I was happy and thought it was appropriate for what had happened.

Here is the good part!

While waiting for flight 203 to board, it was obvious it was empty with only 40 people or so waiting in the boarding area. I was sitting rather close to the gate agent's desk when I noticed two gentlemen talking to the gate agent. They were obviously employees and friends of the gate agent as I heard them talking about work and one guys kids. Then, shortly thereafter, I was paged by the gate agent. When I went up there, she asked to see my boarding pass. I handed them to her and she tore them up, handed me new passes for row 6 and said "here are your new ones." No reason given. I then ask why this was happening and she LIED and said "there has been a mistake, the gate reader won't allow two class upgrades and your passes are invalid." Rather than call her an outright liar, I explained to her why I was given thoes seats and she responded by saying "The Milan agent could loose her job for doing that... it's not allowed." Being extremely exhausted, I didn't feel like arguing with this lady... so I let it go....

And well... Yep.. You guessed it... Her friends were sitting in my seats in First Class.

What if anything should be done by this? I want to complain, but I don't want to get the Milan agent in trouble. Any suggestions?