the phoenix

OK, then perhaps my verbage is confusing and I apologize (but truly thank you all for this learning experience). So we should all be confirmed on the flight in J. At this point, NOT sitting together in J, I can deal with. I just wanted definition that we would all be on the flight.

wrp96

Before you call, have you checked on aa.com to make sure you can't switch the seat assignments?

MSPeconomist

If the seat map for your flight is pretty empty, you should be able to move the seats on line. Do this now ot get seats together and NOT in rows that might not exist on some aircraft types.

Often1

OP - Do not call AA. As there are seats open for assignment on your flight, grab those seats for your family. If they aren't exactly what you want, still grab what you want. Make certain that the seats exist on both aircraft types.

This does not guarantee you a seat in J. AA may still boot you if everybody else is traveling on a higher fare basis. But, dislodging you is harder.

If you can't assign the seats, call AA and simply ask for help in assigning the seats.

jerry a. laska

Checking Expertflyer, AA 1596 does not at this time appear to be oversold and is currently wide open for sale of tickets. The flight is shown as a 757 with the following availability in business: J7 D7 I5.

the phoenix

aa.com is not allowing me to choose the seats. I only have my seat, the 3 others are not able to be chosen.

This is so screwy. I JUST looked for seats in J for that flight on AA.com for 4. AA.com says there are no seats left in that cabin.

Thanks Jerry for your help as well. I understand J7 means there are 7 seats in biz, but what are D7 I5?

the phoenix

AARRRRRGHH!! Im so unbelievely sorry!!!

Im so stressed that my dates are screwed up

This is for AA 1596 SXM-JFK on Jan 23, D code fare.


Ugh, Im so sorry, that's why you guys are getting all this info. Please accept my apologies!

wrp96

Okay with that information in mind, on the 23rd, you are correct, they are showing no available seats in business class on 1596. There is availability in economy. So if no seats opened up, then they would be downgraded and entitled to downgrade compensation.

At this point though, I would leave it alone, but keep a close eye to see if seats open up (Expert Flyer alert?), which is entirely possible.

There is availability on flights connecting through MIA that leave earlier than your flight. If you have to have certainty right now, then I would call and ask to be switched to one of those flights. No guarantees though that they will make the change as overbooked in advance does not necessarily mean oversold at departure.

the phoenix

Thank you sir.

Did I mention, Im a dork!! So sorry I messed up those dates!


meanwhile I am looking up PAID SEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS to educate myself..

iplaybass

Call AA. There is availability in J departing SXM at 10 am, connecting in MIA to JFK. Also via CLT departing SXM at 5:20. if the agent doesn't want to change your res, hang up and call again. (HUACA)

the phoenix

Thanks. Keep y'all posted.

Exec_Plat

The agents are trained to keep you calm until it is too late. Like little frogs in the pot of slowly boiling water.....

Act now, IMO


Good advice.

OP understand the HUCA concept. Be pleasant, but dont accept any solution that appears to be suboptimal- they may make an accommodation ONCE.

Also make sure you know the options, which flights, which days. I might be OK with the day later...not sure how long the vaca is and all that.

Finally, you paid a lot for D seats (please tell us what the fare code basis is- not just the single letter code, but the entire sequence, should be 5-7 letters and numbers). You should document the price today for a cheap economy class fare. then if they do downgrade you, you can point out "I paid 1200, the fare had I booked economy is 500, thats 700 per ticket" and fight them on it. While they may have rules that seem to describe less, you can chose not to follow those rules. (For now, ignore what ashill posted, that is for instant upgrade fares and there is NO evidence that is what you are flying...but do tell us your Fare code to be sure.)

JDiver

I'm not at all sure "instant upgrade" fares would be under D.

Exec_Plat

Agree in general, but Im not sure.

the terminology of 'fare class' and 'booking class' and the imprecision with how these are used has me being cautious with advice.

Id want to be sure he is telling us the full fare code and not something AA.com is being sloppy about.

the phoenix

about to call again. Searched for longer fare code. Where exactly do I look? All I see is D on the e receipt


Further research shows that D is also known as RTW or Y26nCUP /

So its discounted business but now Im assuming its like a Y UP fare?!