Originally Posted by
davetravels
The rules I cited above are US DOT rules.
You are correct. The aircraft substitution exemption for IDB compensation has long existed in U.S. regs. If the DOT thought it was abused it could change the reg.
Further, U.S. DOT IDB compensation doesn't apply to international departures to the U.S.
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights
And, lastly, it was an Alaska op. It doesn't belong in the Delta forum.