So my flight (1575) from IND to ATL originally set for 7am gets rescheduled a few times due to a mechanical issue and is now scheduled to go at 10:30. I have been backed up on the earliest available delta flight at 12:45. Although I fly a bit I am definitely not a pro and it seems that getting information from the Skyclub ladies is not easy. For this reason I am looking to Flyertalk.

I would like to know when Delta has to, legally, allow me the option to fly on another airline. I would also like to know what, if any, compensation I can expect for arriving at my destination (ATL) late. If we were to leave at 10:30 then I would be 3.5 hours late but the 12:45 flight would make me almost 6 hours late.

Thanks and if there are any questions please post and I'll respond as soon as I can.

Sincerely,
Boxxer20

Delta's obligations are outlined in the Contract of Carriage.

You can ask about be routed on another carrier but DL has no obligation to provide it. As for compensation, perhaps you will get a voucher ($100?) or some SkyMiles. From the C of C, Rule 240:

Delta may substitute alternate carriers or aircraft, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket at any time. Schedules are subject to change without notice. Except as stated in this rule, Delta will have no liability for making connections, failing to operate any flight according to schedule, changing the schedule for any flight, changing seat assignments or aircraft types, or revising the routings by which Delta carries the passenger from the ticketed origin to destination.

If you can buy another ticket on a different carrier at a competitive price, do so - a 90 minute delay by DL means you can request a refund.

The second part of the question is the easiest to answer. You shouldn't expect any compensation for arriving late. DL's CoC covers mechanical delays, weather delays, etc. If you were connecting in ATL to somewhere else, their responsibility is to get you on the next flight possible but they have no obligation to get you to ATL by a certain time of day. I and many others on this board have dealt with this situation plenty over the years and I will tell you, I've been stuck overnight and lost nights on paid hotel reservations and everything else and have never been compensated by DL more than what they are required, i.e. hotel for the night in city where stuck, meal vouchers, and frequently some sky pesos for the inconvenience.

Thanks for the posts. I have asked for the refund and am flying on a differnt airline.

please let us know how long it takes to get that refund

You are doing well if they agreed to give a refund, not just a voucher, and if the new ticket is not much more expensive. However, I would like to think that the SC would treat a DM better in IROPs. Did you try to call the DM line during this ordeal?

I'll keep you posted.

They tried the voucher but I insisted that it be given back on the card that it was purchased on. Got the other ticket at about the same price so it will work out ok.

Maybe it's because I am just Platinum that they didn't treat me better.

Yes I tried the Plat line and it really wasn't any different than what I experienced in the SC. I'm lucky that I haven't had too many issues this year but it's times like these that make me question my SC membership as the free drinks do me no good when I am headed to work.