Originally Posted by
HDQDD
By that same measure, DL's decision makes sense. Since AA is more likely to incur IROPS, DL gets the short side of the stick in the (current) agreement (i.e. having to carry IROP pax from OA at a very reduced rate). Can't blame DL for wanting to even the playing field.
These are seats that are on open flights, usually departing within the next couple of hours. They were not likely to sell, and if they were or suspected as they would, DL could decline the rebooking when contacted. And they do do that -- e.g., decline taking people on a flight if the earlier one hasn't departed on a mechanical for example.
No doubt this is going to be a hit for DL, as this is lost incremental revenue on a perishable product. In fact, it is likely a bigger hit for DL than AA, since DL likely receives more AA rebooks than they rebook on AA.
I suspect that DL is holding out for a more favorable rate since the deck is favoring them. They'd rather pay AA more for each rebook in return for getting more from AA for each rebook.