I agree about seeking compensation after the fact for a downgrade, but not necessarily for being offloaded entirely. There aren't laws governing the downgrading of pax upgraded due to their elite status.

In an offload situation, I think the best chance of staying on that flight (or getting cash compensation) is to inform the GA that you expect the standard IDB compensation and that you plan to report the incident to the DOT.

I actually had a confirmed ticket. My flight on Sunday had been cancelled and they immediatly gave me a confirmed seat for the Wednesday flight in question.

On the way to BOS I sat next to a very good looking exotic dancer. We had a few drinks and talked about the profession. Maybe the POS on the way back to ORD was intended to even that out. :)

It looks like everyone agrees that if you don't speak up nothing is going to happen so like most things involving airlines you need to know the policy and be proactive or they are going to walk all over you. After reading AA's written policy I sent them a letter. I will let you all know how they respond.

I had to purchase a last-minute J class trip SCL-DFW-DEN and back in Jan 2010. On one segment, of course the biggie SCL-DFW J was sold out, so I was given a "priority" Y seat - 12A - for my full-fare economy payment. Needless to say most of the seat was unavailable to me due to a POS in 12B.

I was far too accommodating and moved to a center seat for the flight (after about 30 min in the air) and left her with two "premium" seats to herself. My complaint letter netted me a $75 voucher for future travel.

I now carry each airline's policy (when I can find it) on my laptop for easy reference.

There seems to be a theme with POS's sitting in middle seats. Could this be the answer to the, "who is the idiot reserved in seat B with A and C open?" when I'm chosing my seat? Maybe POS's realize that if they sit in A then they will overspill too much into B and that if they take C they will block the drink cart, but if they sit in B it will be much less likely that they are required to buy a second seat.

I suspect it's because they aren't elites for the most part and are stuck in middle seats.

This exactly what should NOT be done. If the POS is too big for the seat, the POS should buy the second seat or be offloaded to buy a second seat on another flight. A standby passenger still paid for a seat. If the POS only paid for one 1 seat, they have no rights to space on the second seat.

I agree completely.

Getting the GA to do that rather than remove a "now-confirmed" standby, however, is another matter.

This is the crux of the matter. As mentioned above, people (generally) don't like confrontation. This even includes the GAs, whether it's the rule or not. POS is a touchy subject and it seems rude to say, basically, "you're too big and you have to buy a second seat." Even if it is the rule.

I used to work at rock concerts. Smoking was not allowed in the seats, and I had no problem confronting the smoking folks. That was easy; this would be harder to do. Employees will look for an "easier" way to handle this.

Cheers.

Which is why my strategy would be to very politely make it a lot more difficult to displace me vs. the POS. GAs, like almost everyone, will take the path of least resistance.

Exactly.... The 2nd seat doesn't belong to the POS passenger, and this includes AA's ability to give it to a standby passenger.

Moderators --- a suggestion
 

if POS is an "official" acronym, it should be added to the acronym/glossary sticky list.

how is anyone talking to the FA's without the POS hearing them? I have had the same sitch where I was at the airport early, switched my flt to a middle (confirmed) seat, figuring it was a 2 hour flight- its fnie (I'm smaller) and ended up with a POS (tall guy too) who's leg was in my middle section and who spilled over into the aisle and my seat. I was mortified and couldnt get the cojones to ask him to lower the armrest because i knew he wouldnt be able to (never mind comfortably).

usually with status i am ok on flights, but this was a nightmare. $75 comp for the experience though.

If your seat is far enough forward that you can already see them there when you enter the aircraft, then alert the FA/GA in the front galley or on the jet bridge. If not, keep walking all the way back and find a FA in the rear galley and have the discussion with them.

i mean fair enough. i suppose that would work assuming the FA is willing and able and not preocupied w leaving on time et al. When this happened (Sept) i saw him, he got up to allow me to sit down, i sat. then i decided to go to the bathroom. i TOLD the flight attendant. he shrugged. I peed and went back to my seat. EOS. Awesome. I honestly do think being a smaller younger girl you're not taken as seriously. I will never forget the day a flight attendant told me I couldnt possibly (verbatim) be in the right seat (first class trans com wearing sweats for the ride (EXP baby!!! I almost whipped out the card).