If I was the CPT and the FO I would address that with their respective fleet managers/chief pilot and do so in writing via email so a response in writing is required. I couldn't care less who she thought she is or who she thinks she knows, policy are black and white and given sometimes in the ME that means S*&T nonetheless we were at outstation and these guys had clearly an almost confirmed tickets (ID 50 is confirmed but can be offloaded for full revenue guest) and an ID 90 business which in whatever language you write it is still higher than a non upgradable duty travel economy and even if the ticket was upgradable she is primarily economy and only goes up when a seat is free which in this case should not have been since the flight crew held a J class business ticket. Furthermore, since when you travel under a duty travel ticket with kids? Are the kids working for Etihad? Because since I guess they are not how the hell did they get a duty travel ticket?
My dear CPT and FO get out there and demand answers and make all the noise you need to get those answers, I would ……
But that’s just me!
Safe Flying
