Last month, I had to cancel a flight at the last minute because of a medical issue with a family member out of state. I called and the agent said that the amount could be applied to a new ticket minus the change fee. I asked if there was a medical waiver and was told no. I accepted that, but then he said that he would do it for me. I was very appreciative that he did, and quite frankly, I had previously been considering trying out the Star Alliance this year, but that generous act on Delta's part has kept me loyal. I did use that credit to go towards the cost of purchasing a ticket to see my family member. I would have accepted losing the $150 if the answer had been no since that is their policy, but since they were so nice about it, I now feel obliged to be loyal to Delta.^