<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by apirchik:
I would still try to go (by rental car or train) to either GVA, ZRH or FRA and present the case to a CO airport agent. On the phone, they will not change your ticket to another destination, but at the airport they can do whatever they want and if you present a solid case (which you certainly have) I would say you have better chances to get on a plane.</font>
Ditto. The phone agents are taught to apply the rules mechanically no matter how cruel in the particular circumstances. I think you might have had luck showing up at an airport served by CO and pleading your case to the CO agent since they typically have quite a bit more discretion than the phone agents. I know that I have been able to get what I want at the airport whereas the phone agents will never budge. On the other hand, I understand your reluctence to try this strategy since it is possible that you would have ended up being told the same thing you were told on the phone and you would have been out of even more cash.
[This message has been edited by brooklynflyer (edited Dec 04, 2003).]