Downgraded back to Economy

July 23rd, 2016

I had a new travel experience today on United. For my flight this morning, I received a complimentary upgrade to business class, so I relinquished my Economy Plus seat. After I was seated, enjoying my pre-takeoff orange juice, the gate agent told me I had to go back to coach. Why? I had to give up my seat to someone else, whose business class seat was broken. I asked “Am I the lowest-status person in business class”? She replied, “Yeah.” I got sent back to 18B, a regular economy seat–not even economy plus. I was actually worse off because of the upgrade followed by the downgrade. Though, on the bright side, I received a $250 travel voucher. Always something new in the friendly skies.