Thanks all for the input. It is all helpful. I apologize if my request seemed unreasonable. I’m a person who makes mistakes and misjudges. I’m also not made of money so the idea of buying a fully refundable fare is never an option. My naivete led me to believe that Delta would help get me to my destination with the money I had already paid them. I fly several times yearly and have never missed a flight in my life. I’ve never heard of anyone getting charged for a brand new ticket. I interpreted SDC as flying standby on an earlier flight, etc. I was wrong. Lesson learned, the hard way this time. I will still contact Delta politely as that will cost me approximately $500 less than my mistake Friday cost me. Thank you again!