The rules are made by Delta with the customer in mind. Flights that depart on time make the passengers on the plane happy (but will make the passenger left behind unhappy).

Even so, Delta can waive the rules now and then (most of their non-FAA required rules have words like "Delta reserves the right to...").

I had a connection at SLC in Feb. where it was scheduled to be a 26 minute connection, but the incoming flight was delayed and my actual arrivial was 13 minutes before my outbound scheduled departure. As I ran from Concourse B to Concourse D, I saw the FIDS say my flight was closed. I got to the gate 7 minutes before departure and thankful to see the gate still opened. I was the last one on the plane (the flight was very empty). Plane pushed back about 5 minutes after scheduled departure, but time was made up in the air.

If I had misconnected, yes, I would have been upset too, but Delta would have protected me on the next flight and might have offered some compensation (meal voucher, etc.). I would have understood though if they didn't hold the flight because the flight was full or the weather was turning bad or their gate was needed or some other reason.

All in all, I acceptd the rules when purchasing the ticket. As long as Delta does not break its own rules, I can live with it.

As for buying your ticket when the 10 minute rule was in effect, I believe Delta also has a rule that says something like "Delta has the right to change the terms of the agreement..." If not, and you show up before 10 minutes and the flight is closed, then you have a legitimate gripe.

[editted to correct actual scheduled connection time at SLC]

[This message has been edited by keithguy (edited 04-20-2002).]