Originally Posted by
boboqui
The same search criteria was used on both Delta and skyscanner websites: non-refundable economy class on identical flights, neither fare basis nor booking class were not shown in the online reservations, their only visible difference was the ticket price.
I think that's your problem. They were not in fact the same exact booking/fare class. From the T&C:
The booking class information on the travel agency websites is usually displayed in the section entitled "Fare Rules and Restrictions" and the booking class will begin with a letter such as L, U, T, etc.
It also mentions it has to have the exact same rules & restrictions. As I mentioned earlier, Delta often offers multiple T (or other) fares that will have different prices and different rules. The most common difference is how many days in advance you are required.
You can not just look at economy T on DL.com and compare to economy T on another site. You have to see the full fare basis, like "TE21A0QA" and then look at the fare rules. You can see this on DL.com by clicking the link on the last page before booking for "View change and cancellation policies". On other sites like Expedia or Orbitz you'll need to find the link that shows the rules/restrictions. I checked Senturia and they don't show the fare rules before you purchase, and just say to "check with airline". So you are at a disadvantage. however once booked you should have been able to get the full fare basis from Delta and compared to what DL.com was showing.