Actually Delta established a travel warning yesterday; the weather yesterday had cancelled over 900 flights and delayed 3,400 - MSP, ORD, MDW and DTW are the airports most affected.
I think this would require a customer service beef - no change fee should have been levied if the agent had either applied the "flat tire rule" (not really a rule, but they can apply some common sense and grant mercy).
Come on, AA (and UA!), give us a *&!$$#@ break!
Code:
DELTA TRAVEL WARNING 21 FEB 2014: Winter weather may impact
travel to, from or through the Upper Midwest. Check flight status frequently
for up-to-the-minute info about your flight plans, or get updates sent
directly to your wireless device or email with Delta Messenger.
RESCHEDULING FLIGHTS
If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, you are entitled to a
refund. Even if your flight is not canceled, you may make a one-time
change to your ticket without fee if you are scheduled to travel to, from, or
through the following destination(s) on Delta, Delta Connection®, or Delta-
coded flights during the specified time periods listed below.
You can now edit your itinerary here at delta.com, or you may contact
Reservation Sales to make changes to your itinerary. Additional collection in
fares may apply. See Conditions & Restrictions below.
Affected Destination(s) (To / From / Through)
Michigan
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Impacted Travel Date(s) Feb 20-21, 2014
Ticket must be Reissued On or Before Feb 24, 2014
Rebooked Travel must begin no later than Feb 24, 2014
When rescheduled travel occurs beyond Feb 24, 2014, the change fee will
be waived. However, a difference in fare may apply. Final travel must be
completed by end of ticket validity, one year from date of original issue. If
travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may
cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the
purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket
issuance. Applicable change fee and fare difference will apply for new travel
dates. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity.
CONDITIONS & RESTRICTIONS
Changes to origins and destinations may result in an increase in fare. Any
difference in fare between your original ticket and the new ticket will be
collected at the time of booking.