on Tuesday (22nd June) booked flights BHD-LHR departing 24th- returning 25th. The only option i was given was flexible economy costing just under Ł400. Reserved my seat in row 1 for both flights. Get to BHD one hour before flight due to depart only to be told the flight was OVERBOOKED and i was being downgraded to economy- cabin had an old style business class curtain with 18 seats ahead of it. Was told i would though still get cabin service. AS i got on the plane the cabin supervisor even said to me they would still give me the service.This did not happen. I asked as they came through the cabin and was told it was too late to get service.

Anyway, the point of the rant is this. I don't blame the cabin crew for forgetting to give me a drink and poxy sandwich. However, why a) did BD sell me a FE if they could not cope with the booking b) did BD give me the opportunity to RESERVE my seat if they simply give it away? Last time i checked the dictionary, it seemed that reserving meant the seat would be kept for you!!!!!!

Will they automatically give me a refund? Should I complain?

Automatically, probably not. Should you complain - yes.

In fairness, bmi's customer serviee department is usually pretty good about these things, so make your case and see what happens.

Considering they moved me out of my 4A Y seat, at the gate, a couple of weeks ago to expand the Flex Y for a late booking passenger, what happened sounds ridiculous.

....as was moving me out of 4A, whereupon they played musical seats with me onboard, to expand the cabin when there was no one sitting in the whole of Row 3 on the flight. They then proceeded to ignore Flex Y pax in 4A as they didn't know he was one (antimacassar sans piping).

Since they cancelled the 1110 mid morning flight they have had to rebook those passengers. Unfortunately that means massive overbooking is with us for at least a few weeks, especially with the NI holiday season kicking off from wednesday onwards.

Looking at what you have said about this instance I am not sure when they actually told the flight was overbooked. If they told you before you paid for the FE seat then they were likely giving you a seat under the guaranteed seat scheme for Gold card holders (if you booked more than 48hrs before). In that case, while they sell you an FE at full fare, they have the option to seat you anywhere.

I would complain about the lack of service but dependent on the specifics of the booking its unlikely you get a refund.

Add a c) to your list - who the hell in their right mind decided to do this to a *G, let alone a BD*G. Incredible

Things get even better!! My flight is not showing up in the points but the return is: not that I need status points: 61k since March but i'd sure like the double destination miles!! Also, the online complaints form is "currently unavailable" and has been since Friday!!