[The_Judge]

reznmel.........I have seen your situation a time or two in my life at the airline. If you would have walked up to me, I would have advised you also to take the AA flight but would have made sure it was confirmed. What happens sometimes with that is when it's booked, it will immediately show you HK (confirmed) but later, after AA receives the request, it could change to HL (waitlisted) if there are no seats on their flights. This sounds like what happened. Not really the fault of an agent but the system. I know it's no help but just some insight.

As far as reimbursement for your expenses, I truly think DL will not budge on giving you more. A $200 TCV per person is a joke as DL knows most times they go unused. Take Butch's advice and don't use it until this matter is resolved further. It's good for a year from the date of issue.

Your best bet is gonna be the DOT. Email them along with DL so each party knows the other is involved in the email chain. Again, I don't think the DOT is gonna be able to push DL into coughing up green cash instead of those useless TCV's but it's probably gonna be your best chance.

Last resort is small claims in your home state. A real judge might have had a bad airline experience and be sympathetic to your situation. Not saying they're not impartial but you never know.

I wish I could give you some good news but DL knows they are the biggest airline in the world and people will keep coming so they have no feelings for the little people. Good luck.