[jkd21]

I called Delta (DL) customer service today to cross-reference two separate bookings (both booked through DL). I find out one of the bookings is not confirmed (booked Feb. 6, 2014)...the agent discovers the operating carrier (codeshare partner AeroMexico - AM) has had a schedule change and offers a full refund without mentioning any "reprotection." I ask if we should consult with the AM before initiating a refund/cancellation. She says it won't make a difference and initiates the refund.

I find out from AM that the schedule change was made Feb 11, 2014. Why I haven't been notified yet is beyond me. (I wonder when/if I would have been notified had I not called today). Speaking with the AM agent, he offers to reissue the tickets to another carrier (also a codeshare partner) who also has a direct flight on the same day (the ONLY carrier now with direct flights between LAX-LTO), which is fine except for Delta has initiated a refund.

Follow-up calls to Delta, agents mention "reprotection" but only for seats in the same "fare class," and since there are no seats available in the same fare class, I am responsible for paying the difference...which is now more than twice the original ticket price (for three tickets it comes to more than a $1,100 difference).

The highest level DL agent I spoke with was a supervisor in Salt Lake City which didn't really get me anywhere. She did give me a number to Corporate Customer Service but was not encouraging that they could help me any more. I filed a complaint on Delta.com and I have filed a complaint with the DOT.

Have I covered my bases? Is there anything more I should do? Do I have ANY recourse given the fact DL has already initiated a refund? Any chance I'll be compensated for the extra expense?