jimworcs and bilingual, you would be correct had this been an American Airlines main-line flight. However, after some research, I found that AA flight 4423 from JFK to RDU is operated by American Eagle using a 37 seat Embraer ERJ-135 aircraft. The compensation rules for involuntary denied boarding on smaller aircraft differ as they are more prone to weight and balance issues and operational restrictions than larger aircraft. Knowing that the plane left with two empty seats confirms the denied boarding was probably due to the aircraft being too heavy.
As Ms Belford was compensated with a $500 voucher AA will most likely consider the matter closed and unfortunately due to the smaller aircraft exception the DOT will be of no assistance either.
|