Feeling dumb and sad

I hope this helps someone else avoid the mistake I made

What is the 'mistake' you made?

I feel like I acted too quickly and didn't take more time to ask about all my options and make my decision. By the time I called again to switch back to one of my original flights, all the PE seats were gone.

In the five months since I booked our BA flight, our return flights have changed four times. Each time, I've had to call and get it rebooked. While the agents have been extremely pleasant, it is essential to do your research on what is available and what options you prefer before talking to them. Sometimes, it's just knowing what your risk tolerance is (as in short-connection times) or which airport you'd prefer to have your layover in. Sorry that you couldn't get your PE seat. On the bright side, there's still time for them to cancel your flights again! This is a strange year for flying. I've never had to rebook so many times.

When I make a decision that I later regret, my mind is spring-loaded to beat myself up mercilessly. I've learned that when my brain starts making me feel dumb and sad about something like this, I have to tell it "I made the best decision I could with the information I had at the time. I can't expect myself to do better than that." It usually takes several times of saying that, but eventually I'm able to release it.

Agree, a seat is not a flight. It is an extra. if you paid for PE seats that you are no longer getting, what you paid for those seats should be refunded. Unfortunately, it does require a request.

You called back when you figured out a better solution - that was smart, and good for you getting the figuring out done.

Sad? Even if it’s ultimately not flown in PE, once you reach your destination, at least you’ll have made it, so that should bring you cheer.

Hope you get compensated for what you paid, but have a great trip, in any event!

Sadly, most of us have had our share of these decisions…. We jokingly had a budget item called “stupid fee” for such moments. I know it is disappointing, but don’t let it take away from your trip.

. We jokingly had a budget item called “stupid fee” for such moments.

To view it in a more positive light, call it a "tuition payment" for an educational experience.

And as already mentioned, do not give up on getting the PE seats or a refund.

Please don't beat up on yourself. Sometimes, it is next to impossible for individuals to figure out the best of a scenarios amongst the electronic systems of airlines and their partners. And sometimes serendipity happens. We can always hope.

A few years ago, BA cancelled my flight to London and then on to Munich. I spent the day trying my best to get on the next best flight/route. I thought I had it figured out. However, when I got to the airport, the BA supervisor there asked why I was not on the direct AA PHL to Munich flight. It had never come up as an option!. He hustled and got me on that direct flight. I hustled and ran for the plane. It was economy vs my original Economy Plus. I never asked about the price differential since it got me there according to my original time plan. I was so thankful.

My last trip, I was on one of the last BA double decker flights out of PHL which was really enjoyable. I tried my best to book business on the return AA flight. It was leading up to the Christmas holidays, and I knew in my gut all seats were going to be packed in economy (no econ plus in AA for that route). No business seat materialized. I was dreading my return flight, when, out of the blue, economy was empty. I had a window two seater to myself as did others, It was only business that was packed! Ha, I lucked out. Relative privacy at a lower rate.

Not saying this always happens, but it might be worth checking along the way at the various airports to see if any changes are available. Cheers.

Thank you all for your kind words of wisdom and encouragement. I can't wait for my RS Scotland tour...so excited!

Don't be hard on yourself, you will likely be entitled to a refund. Good luck.

I am sorry you feel this way. Whenever.I make a decision I ask the agent.what they think is the best option. I have found hidden avaiability often used for mileage redemption that the agent unblocked to.rebook me in the class of service I originally paid. Call back and ask nicely about getting Premium Economy back .

I would suggest you call back and ask for a refund to the Economy seat price when you booked or at least to be put on a standby list to upgrade to PE for free.