Hi there. I have a trip upcoming. I don't have status, but am a Skymiles member.

Depart - EWR>DTW>LAX>SYD
Return - SYD>LAX>CVG>EWR

Got it really cheap. I live near ATL and I'm actually scheduled to fly from ATL>LGA on Southwest. I was hoping to make my travel plans much more simple.

Ideally I could change my flight to:

Depart - ATL>LAX>SYD
Return - SYD>LAX>ATL

I called up Delta to inquire about a minor itinerary change I had (flight number no time change) and then asked if I could switch to a ATL>LAX>SYD route roundtrip. No dice unless I want to pay $1600. Figured that would be the case but never hurts to ask.

1. Do you think I'd have any luck calling back a few times to sweet talk anyone?

2. What do you think the odds are at the ATL airport if I speak to the Delta main desk where you check-in to see if they might change my flight to ATL>LAX>SYD. I'd be willing to show up on 6/18 early. My ATL>EWR Southwest flight leaves at 9am. They have 10 nonstop flights ATL>LAX that day before my ATL>EWR SW flight leaves which would work, but only 1 that leaves prior to my 9am flight.

3. What about trying the gate agent?

4. Finally, if all else fails, what about asking them if I could just not catch the departure EWR>DTW>LAX legs. I'd be able to book ATL>LAX via Southwest direct pretty easily. Then I would just skip the return portion LAX>CVG>EWR and book SW LAX>ATL. Thank you!