Originally Posted by Widgets

While I'm surprised the OP didn't ask about compensation or stop the process when told it was $0, I'm more surprised the Red Coat didn't mention any compensation or rebooking. Compensation amount and full itinerary should be thoroughly discussed before any ticket changes are made.

Originally Posted by btonkid12345

This. OP - while I empathize with you being "in the moment" and it being embarrassing at the gate with a delayed flight - I think professionally yet firmly asking for a voucher from the original RC/at the departure gate before boarding would have been your best option.

Why? Because the RC did not have any other volunteers, it sounds like. Thus, that would have made them issue you a VDB voucher real fast because their only alternative then would have been IDB.

I find Airport Customer Service issues are best dealt with on the spot, if you have the time. I personally would not have accepted the new boarding pass without my choice of seats (preferably in J) and a voucher. They can't do it? No problem...restore all of my original itinerary and seats. As Widgets and others have said, the itinerary is NOT to be reticketed until there is a clear agreement in place between DL/passenger regarding rebooking, logistics, and any voucher or other monetary-like compensation.