i know OMW covers everything - but taken into context of AC's Delay and Cancellation guidelines - mechanical and staffing are considered to be within the airline's control and they are required to compensate u regardless of whether OMW was purchased.

i understand too OMW is a different department / staff that has greater powers to booking AC/other flights...... hmm having said that I rerouted my friend on AC Reservations when she was stuck in SYD because of snowstorms in YVR...... ended up routing her via SYD-NRT-LAX-YYZ with UA no probs and no questions asked... they even bumped her booking class from Q to Y.

hmm i looked into FAA which directed me to DOT on Aviation Consumer Protection policies..... not much help...Suprisingly they say any delays are beyond airline's control (true from an operational sense, but sucks from a pax standpoint)

here's the link http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publi...ts.htm#delayed

and regarding the airline endorsement to another airline, DOT"s official position is this:

"If you find a flight on another airline, ask the first airline to endorse your ticket to the new carrier; this could save you a fare increase. Remember, however, that there is no rule requiring them to do this. If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on the first flight of theirs to your destination on which space is available, at no additional charge. If this involves a significant delay find out if another carrier has space, and ask the first airline to endorse your ticket. Finding extra seats may be difficult, however, especially over holidays and other peak travel times."