For regular readers of this forum over the past years, Travelocity was the company that always took the high ground. They even picked up some new customers when expedia and Orbitz refused to take care of errors (additional editorial comments left blank).
So now, while the once high and mighty travelocity leaves their customers out there hanging, Orbitz somehow manages to make good on the business class fare to Cyprus.
This time around, I think travelocity will lose out much more, than their competitors in the past.
Travelocity, you still have a small window of opportunity to do the 'right thing'. Otherwise, many people on the bulletin board will spend their travel dollars at Orbitz.
While I heartily agree with your sentiments, the circumstances are a bit different in your examples. For our group, Travelocity made the mistake and will have to eat the problem, whereas, in the Cyprus deal, Alitalia made the mistake and Orbitz is merely the (influential) conduit. Ultimately, AZ will eat the mistake.
I think this deal is more akin to the Orbitz deal, where the t/a made the mistake. My confidence is that it will be handled similarly. Considering the huge amount of reservations now, making everyone whole is largely unlikely. My bet is selective stay approval and free night(s) for others. A free night at a Hilton, MO, or IC in Japan has significant value, much like the Expedia coupons did. We stayed on those last month (had a few) and enjoyed ourselves immensely.
We'll know more in a week or two, on a number of fronts...patience
Pat