lobo411

I got $1000 in vouchers for being downgraded from J to Y on that flight. Don't trust the GA/airport staff to take good care of you. They'll do the minimum amount required to get rid of you without having you dragged off in cuffs.

And as for FAMs...well...they're important. After all, someone has to count the quantity and quality of urine produced on flights. It's for your safety!!!

JJeffrey

If you're downgraded you can definitely get compensation in the form of the fare difference from First to Business as well as miles for your trouble.

dayone

If you're open to an alternative routing, you should "demand" that over a downgrade to J.

WiscAZ

I would not let this go to the airport. I'd continue to work towards a resolution, even if that means changing your plans.

JDiver

IMO: “They’ll fix this at the airport” is merely a phrase used by an agent who wants to blag you off to the airport personnel, who will faff about and do what they can do to expeditiously rid themselves of you.

IADCAflyer

Do not, do no do not simply wait until you get to the airport. You reduce your options to whatever is available 1 to 2 hours prior to departure - significantly reducing your flexibility and increasing the ability of the airline to impose a solution.

shd9

FromGVA

Madison Guy

Just saying what others have said: If you are ok with the BA F flight - INSIST on it now, or it may well not happen by checkin at the AP.

I believe you said the flight is tomorrow: If so AA136 F appears full at this point, so zero change of getting it unless someone drops off (F0 - all seats assigned.) The BA flight only has ONE F seat, so you want to be the one to get it! (4F is open - 4E is blocked - not sure why as I don't usually fly BA.)

Night Flyer

I definitely wouldn't do this. BA's customer service, even for BA Gold members, is consistently terrible with the occasional bright spot. I shudder to think of the circular and endless conversations the OP would endure.

dkc192

Echo this. Unfortunately, since you're not an AA Emerald, you don't have access to "EXP agents" who might be slightly more inclined to accommodate your request than the general agents. Still, I'd keep calling and asking for a supervisor. Point out that you are booked in revenue F, lost your confirmed seat assignment, and now see that the seat map is fully occupied. Once you've shown them the problem, offer your proposed solution (BA F, different routing, etc.) and politely but firmly stand your ground. If after doing so they continue to tell you to wait until the airport, thank them and try calling again.

ezefllying

I do find it sad and telling that so many of us consider it reasonable that any passenger, much less a paid international F flyer (with status), should have to beg, plead, and play the hang-up-call-back game in order to stay in the cabin they paid for on the flight they paid for. Yes, I realize an air marshal's presence is outside of AA's control (Remember, Kids: They're Here for Our Safety), but the airline, as a matter of halfway-decent customer service, should be proactively trying to contact and protect the passenger as soon as a marshal overbooks a cabin.

Since the OP purchased the ticket through BA, s/he should consider calling British Airways. Either they'll move her to the BA flight or they'll at least contact AA and ask what's going on.

CPRich

How "many of us" have replied that this is reasonable?

C17PSGR

I appears that both F and J are sold out on AA 136, although there are a couple of unassigned seats in business.

If I had a paid F ticket, I'd ask AA to put me on AA 6179, which is the BA 388 and has 4 available F tickets.

Andriyko