Originally Posted by
SFO_FT
I’ve tended to think of rebooking as a like-for-like change (ie, same inventory was already avail so it’s just rebooking onto a new flight, one that already has the inv avail) while reprotection requires a bit more effort (ie. new space needs to be opened in order to “protect” the pax’s original confirmed space).
Protection refers to having a reservation on another flight when your ticketed flight is having IRROPS. For example you might be booked on the 12p flight and connecting, but your flight has a mechanical issue, so United may protect you (save a seat for you) on the 2p flight that would still allow you to make your connection in case the delayed 12p flight doesn't get out but still leave you ticketed on the 12p in case it does.
In this case, you need to be changed to a new set of flights and put back in the same fare class you had on the cancelled flight; i.e. you need to be rebooked, even if that does require opening inventory (which is well within possibility).
If you are asking for protection etc for this, agents are going to be confused and have much more trouble doing the right thing with your flights.