Options when AA says they can't, but really means they won't
Aug 11, 2021, 7:44 am
#17
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The reality is this is a lose-lose-lose situation at this point for every party involved thanks to AA's useless IT and automatic seating/rebooking system.
If it were me personally in this situation, assuming I paid for this ticket with cash I'd probably just cancel the flight, get the refund, and find something else.
If it were me personally in this situation, assuming I paid for this ticket with cash I'd probably just cancel the flight, get the refund, and find something else.
Aug 11, 2021, 7:58 am
#18
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Location: St Louis
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As I said, a dilemma for AA--2 or 1 PO'ed pax? These seats were booked in Jan 21. Although not previously mentioned on this thread, when traveling with my spouse I always book early and reserve a window because she tends to get airsick on rough air TOs and landings. Having external visual reference points alleviates the problem. Of course, this made no difference to AA since "the system did it" and "nothing we can do" prevents them from taking this into account.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:08 am
#19
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Two wrongs don't make a right (AA). That being said complain to AA and they will throw some miles your way. When you board politely ask if someone will switch. If not grin and bear it I'm afraid.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:19 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2013
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I will change what trip/routing I buy based on seat availability. 4A on a E175 is my favorite and I have become accustomed to sitting there.
To see a flight with XX seat open and then booking it only to be told later - sorry that seat didn't exist - I would be pissed - much like you are now
Expert flyer has saved my azz on numerous ccasians especially when i was flying the whole family (4 of us) on vacations and whatnot.
To see a flight with XX seat open and then booking it only to be told later - sorry that seat didn't exist - I would be pissed - much like you are now
Expert flyer has saved my azz on numerous ccasians especially when i was flying the whole family (4 of us) on vacations and whatnot.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:22 am
#21
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I will change what trip/routing I buy based on seat availability. 4A on a E175 is my favorite and I have become accustomed to sitting there.
To see a flight with XX seat open and then booking it only to be told later - sorry that seat didn't exist - I would be pissed - much like you are now
Expert flyer has saved my azz on numerous ccasians especially when i was flying the whole family (4 of us) on vacations and whatnot.
To see a flight with XX seat open and then booking it only to be told later - sorry that seat didn't exist - I would be pissed - much like you are now
Expert flyer has saved my azz on numerous ccasians especially when i was flying the whole family (4 of us) on vacations and whatnot.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:25 am
#22
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Maybe I am in the minority opinion, but I think AA SHOULD by all means kick out the new 6A passenger and reassign a seat. The OP already picked that seat, well beforehand, and it makes no sense to me to protect the new 6A passenger at the expense of the one that has already picked it (presumably months?) ago. AA should throw points and an apology at the OP for the hassle of them having to call to get this corrected.
"it hAApens" and "the new person shouldn't deal with a seat change" aren't reasonable excuses IMO for the OP's position.
"it hAApens" and "the new person shouldn't deal with a seat change" aren't reasonable excuses IMO for the OP's position.
The new person had no dog in the fight here. They simply selected a seat, just like the OP.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:29 am
#23
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 204
I had long-standing reservations on AA for FCO-ORD in September with PE 6A & 6C reserved on 787-8. AA had a schedule change (not a change of gauge, flight number, routing, etc) and arbitrarily moved my spouse in 6A to 6H, separating us and providing an aisle vs reserved window. Before I caught it, someone booked 6A. Contacted Reservations and asked that whoever they stuck in 6A be moved to 6H, with an explanation that AA made a mistake. Was told "nothing can be done--system did it--we have no control or ability to change--check at the airport on day of flight" etc. Contacted Customer Relations. After a week, was told "we can't change--polices and procedures prohibit," "keep checking online to see if 6A opens up" and "check at airport." E-mailed Julie Rath, VP in charge of CR--nothing.
There is an easy fix to an obvious screw up, but all I get is "can't be done" when in reality AA is saying they won't do it--without having the courtesy of telling why they won't. Been Advantage member since 1986 and have never had this happen. Any suggestions would be welcome.
There is an easy fix to an obvious screw up, but all I get is "can't be done" when in reality AA is saying they won't do it--without having the courtesy of telling why they won't. Been Advantage member since 1986 and have never had this happen. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:32 am
#24
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Who ever gets screwed in this should expect a get-well card apology of some sort
It's not right to just ignore the screwie and blame it on the devil-computer
It's not right to just ignore the screwie and blame it on the devil-computer
Aug 11, 2021, 8:38 am
#25
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Similar thing happen to my J itinerary for a booking made 10 months ago. Booked 2,3,4,5A on a 772.
2A was mysteriously moved away from group into separate section of J (9A).
Sucks but I signed up for expert flyer seat alert ($0.99) and was able to move 9A to 1A. Once onboard, swapped 1A with 2A.
2A was mysteriously moved away from group into separate section of J (9A).
Sucks but I signed up for expert flyer seat alert ($0.99) and was able to move 9A to 1A. Once onboard, swapped 1A with 2A.
Aug 11, 2021, 9:00 am
#26
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Absolutely. AA should offer the OP something for messing up their seats. I just don't think that the something is to kick out someone who selected a seat who had nothing to do with it.
Aug 11, 2021, 9:14 am
#27
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
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Particularly given the schedule change, it's possible the other pax isn't a new booking at all but was moved to this flight from another one where they held 6A.
Aug 11, 2021, 11:42 am
#28
Join Date: May 2005
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As I said, a dilemma for AA--2 or 1 PO'ed pax? These seats were booked in Jan 21. Although not previously mentioned on this thread, when traveling with my spouse I always book early and reserve a window because she tends to get airsick on rough air TOs and landings. Having external visual reference points alleviates the problem. Of course, this made no difference to AA since "the system did it" and "nothing we can do" prevents them from taking this into account.
Point being that it's not always as obvious as we think it is when looking from the outside in.
Aug 11, 2021, 11:59 am
#29
Join Date: Dec 2009
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If you dial back the clock there were a number of threads exactly on this topic with many hypothesizing that it was a FAM issue. Given this is 6A, highly unlikely as those guys/gals like aisles (& F/J). However, that is another reason why assigned seats get unassigned. Basically, the only advice is to keep an eye on reserved seats if it matters to you. There are no guarantees.
Last edited by JMN57; Aug 11, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Aug 11, 2021, 12:09 pm
#30
Join Date: Nov 2007
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veering off topic here but why is row 6 so important?
IMO unlimited pitch vs. 38" pitch does not offer that much extra comfort in PE.
Row 6 also has the disadvantage of having to put away the screen during take off and landing.
Any row in PE is perfectly fine for me at 6 feet tall.
Actually, I prefer the last row so I make sure nobody behind me starts yanking my seat when they stand up or when punching the touch screen
IMO unlimited pitch vs. 38" pitch does not offer that much extra comfort in PE.
Row 6 also has the disadvantage of having to put away the screen during take off and landing.
Any row in PE is perfectly fine for me at 6 feet tall.
Actually, I prefer the last row so I make sure nobody behind me starts yanking my seat when they stand up or when punching the touch screen