Downgrade from Business (I) to Econ (Y) months prior to flight

[fifo]

Hi, I had an original booking in business, return, JAX > MIA > PUJ.
out bound all in I, inbound PUJ > MIA I, MIA > JAX Y.
Now I check after getting a 'trip changed' email the outbound JAX > MIA is Y only.
No mention of a refund or anything from aa.
What should I expect when I call up/ what should I ask for?
Pretty annoyed about it as originally I wanted to be in business the whole way (cheap SCs and its a hectic time for me with a quick trip between weddings), and compromised on the last leg to be in Y for flight timings.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[wandering_fred]

Have you checked to see if there was an equipment change to a aircraft with no business seats?

Happy wandering
Fred

 

[fifo]

Have you checked to see if there was an equipment change to a aircraft with no business seats?

Happy wandering
Fred

Yes that's exactly what's happened. But how is that my issue re a lack of refund or other compensation? Or not being advised of it even past your trip has changed email, which doesnt point out the changes? Interestingly enough, on the way back, the original Y only plane now has Y and J. If they'd swapped the too, it would have been totally fair!

 

[NM]

Check the fare rules for the fare purchased. If the rules state something like "books in I class when available, books in Y (of some other economy/coach class) on flights operated by all-coach aircraft", then the only option available to you would be request to cancel or change the flight to a different flight, making a plea to waive any cancellation or change fees. The fare rules will define if any partial refund is available under these circumstances. You will likely only receive a partial refund if the fare rules permit such a refund or fare recalculation with change fees waived results in a lower overall fare.

I would be determining on my preferred outcome before calling (changing to a different flight, cancelling, or recalculate the fare etc.) and asking for any change/cancellation fees to be waived based on the fact that the downgrade comes as a result of the airline's equipment change.

 

[DC3]

Yes that's exactly what's happened. But how is that my issue re a lack of refund or other compensation? Or not being advised of it even past your trip has changed email, which doesnt point out the changes? Interestingly enough, on the way back, the original Y only plane now has Y and J. If they'd swapped the too, it would have been totally fair!

I would find alternative flights and phone the airline, as suggested in post # 4

 

[serfty]

The downgrade allows for a free change based on AA' policies ...

https://saleslink.aa.com/en-US/documents/Archives/AgencyRef/Schedule_change.pdf

Select "Detailed Schedule Change Guidelines",

then "AA Flights, Customer Does Not Accept
New Itinerary – Premium Cabin /
Premium Economy Cabin/ UP Fares /
BULK Premium Fares".

 

[fifo]

Thanks for the advice, 68usd refund coming my way. Not without going to supervisor, then much much insisting over a voucher and DYKWIA'ing (OWE, overall AA spend this future 12 months).

 

[fifo]

The downgrade allows for a free change based on AA' policies ...

https://saleslink.aa.com/en-US/documents/Archives/AgencyRef/Schedule_change.pdf

Select "Detailed Schedule Change Guidelines",

then "AA Flights, Customer Does Not Accept
New Itinerary – Premium Cabin /
Premium Economy Cabin/ UP Fares /
BULK Premium Fares".

I think in this situation they used

https://saleslink.aa.com/en-US/documents/Archives/AgencyRef/Schedule_Change_Refunds_Only.pdf

Change of operating carrier or aircraft cabin change (downgrade) rules.

Btw, how did you find these?! they are gold!