When an airline moves you from business class to a cheaper cabin, you might assume it will refund what you paid for the seat you did not receive. A couple who bought an $8,166 business class itinerary on American Airlines learned how difficult even a partial refund can be.
According to PYOK, American initially offered expiring trip credits of $493.98 each after repeated refund requests. The couple sued and received $1,175.20 before trial, then won a larger judgment of $7,158.98 that AA is now appealing.
AA says that under the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability on international itineraries, it owes the couple nothing (despite the downgrade!) and the settlement it has offered would mark the difference in price anyway even if it re-calculated the fare. The couple has also sought relief from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
