I hate to tell you this Chris, but this is routine for Delta. They absolutely will not help you, regardless of the circumstances. They will fall back on their terms and conditions. The truth is, Delta should either adopt a position that whenever a customer asks advice about visas, the stock answer is " you must check this yourself, as we cannot be held responsible" or if they give advice, they should be prepared to stand behind the advice. Whatever the situation, you will not get a resolution in the timeframe you are looking for.
I would call the reservations. Explain your dilemma and ask if they could help you to transfer the tickets to Air France, via Paris. This avoids the US and is the most likely option, as Air France and Delta are in the same Skyteam Alliance. They may not be willing to do this, but it is worth a try. No amount of indignation will get you through Delta's anti-customer attitude. Don't get abusive or threatening. I would ask politely, bordering on pleading to help you have a Christmas.. if there is an extra charge, be willing to pay it. If you don't get anywhere, call back and try a different agent. Some are more sympathetic than others.
In future, avoid US carriers for international transport.. they are invariably worse than the competition and should be avoided at all costs.
You will get a load of abuse on this board from people telling you how stupid you are and how it is totally your responsibility. They will deliberately miss the point of your post. It would be your fault, if you were not mislead by Delta. This is what makes it their problem and why they should step up to the plate and assist you. My advice, ignore them. They enjoy twisting the knife into people who are in desperate straits.
|