I just had a very heated discussion with a gentleman from Sobelair who proceeded to lecture me on what he was and was not going to do in this situation. In short, he chastised all of us for taking advantage of the fare and repeatedly mentioned that the fare would not normally pay the airport taxes out of JNB.

He obviously was expecting my call. (Sobelair CS left me a message to call him directly.) He railed on this condescending theme for three minutes before I stopped him in his tracks and informed him that I would not be lectured and that I had called for service, not for admonition.

He then said it was Sobelair's choice whether they rebooked me or refunded me, citing IATA regs. I called his bluff and told him I would choose the outcome. He then became very agitated and continued with his "you should condicer yourself lucky" B.S.

Finally he acknowledged that other carriers were being approached for reprotection and that al passengers itineraries should be in place by Tuesday. I informed him that I would call back then.

What a hassle! I think they really thought that I was going to go away and just let them keep my money. If they think I'm going to let them push me around, they are wrong.

I wish I had my IATA book with me... I would have been a lot more forward, but I wasn't sure what I could push on and what I couldn't.

I will be far more prepared on Tuesday, and I fully expect them to make the "reprotection" as inconvenient as possible.

What do I have the right to demand in this situation? I would by far prefer to be carried on BA, as I am a OneWorld Elite. Also, BA happens to have the arrival time closest to my original. Is there a window of time in which reprotection must occur, or is it a matter of same day flight?

Any insight/ammunition would be appreciated.

Jeff