Good posts above. If OP has traveled for 30 years and this is the worst thing that has happened - this is a shocker.
DL could have handled it different.
Put OP in a hotel at NRT until DL283 NRT-BKK leaves the next day (24 hours later). DL pays for a 2*-3* hotel, give him 2 food vouchers. Kick in a few miles for the trouble.
The next day OP boards DL283 NRT-BKK and they hold the plane for 10 mins for late connecting passengers due to a MX. Who would be the first to complain? Perhaps the OP.
I'm already 24 hours delayed and now this, another 10 min's.
Instead DL paid ANA to get the OP and the others to BKK with a 6 hour delay, instead of 24 hours. Perhaps DL should stick to the CoC and OP would have arrived a day later. OP states he was the only one that said anything. This is the first clue.
Second, after a 6 hour delay - demand a zillion miles. Third: Throw a smart remark to the pilots.
Instead of taking it out on the ground staff at NRT and the pilots, perhaps 30 years of flying experience should kick in and know that the decision to release the OP's seats was made by DL ATL HQ hours before the PDX flt even landed at NRT (which the pilots that had an insult thrown their way - made up time). How many of the dozen or so passengers had checked luggage, need a wheelchair or were to slow to run to make the connection, or were in the last row of Y and took 20+ min's to get off the plane and stop by the gift shop to buy a magnet or t-shirt?
I've flown 30+ years, as well and have learned to roll with the flow. Relax.
Thailand is a fantastic Country. Land of smiles. Take a deep breath and take a jaunt down to Pattaya Beach. Beautiful this time of year!
