New American Airlines Policy Says It Can Sell You First Class, Give You Coach — And Keep Most Of Your Money

American Airlines now says that if it downgrades you from first class to coach, it may owe you just 40% of the affected segment’s fare — even when the coach seat it gives you sold for far less. A new DOT complaint argues that American’s policy lets the airline sell a premium cabin, fail to deliver it, and keep money that federal refund rules say should go back to passengers.