Dear Customer Service,

My flight to Buffalo (796) was canceled today due to severe weather. This is quite understandable. Afterward, while trying to make other arrangements with a Delta Direct representative (Jay, I think; he was extremely helpful) I was informed that Toronto was a possible alternate city from Atlanta. Later, unfortunately, when speaking to the international booking agents by phone, I was informed that, since Continental had booked my flight, Delta could not help me. Continental said the same thing, in reverse.

I accepted the rescheduled flight for the next day (tomorrow, 12/17). The agent who gave me a voucher said that it was good for $56 off my stay at the Comfort Inn Camp Creek hotel (which is where I am at right now). Based on this, I chose not to try for standby status on other flights leaving tonight, nor to continue pursuing changing my flight to Toronto, because I found that the rate for this hotel was only $62.

Upon arrival, sadly, the desk clerk informed me that the voucher amount did not represent a discount, but was rather the full rate I would pay for my room.

The voucher was worth $6. In exchange, I gave up any choice I might have exercised in finding other lodgings or travel.

So, here I am. After meals, etc., this will cost me about $100 (not an insignificant sum for me), plus one day with my wife, whom I do not see nearly enough as it is.

You cannot do anything about the weather, or about my living situation. You might, on the other hand, issue me a check for $56, which was what the Delta agent told me the voucher was worth in the first place.

Thank you,

Darrin Rogers

I’m not holding my breath.