ruby&carlos

I was scheduled to fly in J from CDG-LHR-SEA-LHR-CDG but three of the four legs were cancelled and I was rebooked onto only the LHR-SEA-LHR legs.

When I called AA to sort everything out, they said that actually I can't fly only LHR-SEA-LHR because it originates in a different country and they can't process it through the system due to the difference in currency. They said that the only option now is routing through Dallas on AA metal which is much longer and leaves at times that don't work for me.

I asked if they could move it up a week and they said that I'd have to pay the fare difference. Should they be offering a free rebooking in this scenario?

They're offering a refund also but as I scored a $1,300 business class roundtrip fare, I'd like to use it!

fotographer

when are you scheduled to fly?.. that might answer why AA is only offering the DFW option

ruby&carlos

Scheduled for March 12-21. They said I could bump forward or backward a day, but a week would incur the $5,000+ fare difference. Seems like they're being pretty intransigent given this was an involuntary change and I already offered to make the remaining LHR-SEA-LHR legs work on my end.

JJeffrey

At the very least I would try HUCA a few times to see of you can get an agent that will let you change the dates without charging the fare difference.

fotographer

I would call AA again... sometimes you will get an agent that actually knows enough to help you out..
of course at present you may encounter a longer then usual wait time given the weather across the states..

let us know what happnens

ruby&carlos

Big proponent of HUCA, but this time around it's just been frustrating to get different answers from different people.

In your opinion, is it better to ask them to waive the fare difference for the trouble or pretend that I don't know it should be applied?

JJeffrey

Oh definitely play dumb and act like it's your first time calling about the schedule change. I wouldn't even suggest anything, just see what the agent comes up with. If they offer the DFW routing again, say it won't work due to the timing on that day, but it actually would work if you could move the dates up/back by a week to whatever your preferred dates are now. Then just cross your fingers.

NYC Flyer

You are entitled to change your impacted departure date by one day in either direction, or, alternatively, receive a refund. That's the policy.

If that works, check schedules and call AA with a specific request. If there is availability in business class on AA/BA and/or OW carriers, they can rebook you--do not need same booking class code inventory.

Dave Noble

With the BA flights being cancelled, then BA is liable under EC261 to rebook

Under EC261, you are entitled to be rebooked at the earliest opportunity or at a later tine subject to availability

Even in this case, you are entitled only to travel at a later date and not an earlier one - if a later date works, then try contacting BA

ShortDog

As a data point, when BA cancelled both the Brussels legs on a BRU-LHR-SFO-LHR-BRU trip, I was able to change it to LHR-SFO-LHR and get refunds for both of the Brussels legs!