what was the reason for your delay? Did you ask the agent or supervisor at the airport?
It's unfortunately too late now, but if the delay was something within Delta's reasonable control (not weather or "force majeur), then you should have invoked your Rule 240 rights on the spot, which would have legally entitled you to certain rights. Here is a listing of the Delta rule 240 rights (Delta could have been forced to confirm you on another airline, even in first class):
Delta Air Lines defines a schedule irregularity as:
A delay in the departure or arrival of a Delta Air Lines flight that results in a misconnection, or A flight cancellation or omission of a scheduled stop, or any other delay or interruption of a Delta Air Lines flight, or A substitution of equipment to a different class of service, or A schedule change that requires you to be rerouted.
If your flight is delayed, cancelled or you miss a connecting Delta Air Lines flight, due to a schedule irregularity &
1.Delta Air Lines must confirm you on their next flight (on which space is available) at no additional cost. 2.If there is an alternate Delta Air flight that will arrive at your destination earlier than the alternate you have been offered, you have the right to be confirmed on this Delta Air Lines' flight at no additional cost, even if first class space is all that is available. 3.If the alternate Delta Air Lines flight is not acceptable to you, you have the right to be confirmed on the flight of a different airline at no additional cost. 4.If there is an alternate "different airline" flight that will arrive at your destination earlier than any alternate flight you have been offered, you have the right to be confirmed on this flight at no additional cost, even if first class space is all that is available. 5.If no alternate flight (on Delta Air Lines or a "different airline") is acceptable to you, Delta Air Lines must refund your money - even if you have a non-refundable ticket.
[This message has been edited by bocastephen (edited Jan 11, 2004).]