as far as the weather, its not their fault and by law they dont have to let you off the aircraft until you are sitting there for 3 hours domestic. (In my opinion, 2 hours is still too long) but they want everybody on board and ready, in case a slot opens up or ATC says..GO. I did read the contract and it does state....
RULE 240: FLIGHT DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS
B. Delta’s Liability in the Event of Schedule Changes, Delays and Flight Cancellations
In the event of flight cancellation, diversion, delays of greater than 90 minutes, or delays
that
Delta Domestic General Rules Tariff Page 43 of 51
will cause a passenger to miss connections, Delta will (at passenger’s request) cancel the
remaining ticket and refund the unused portion of the ticket and unused ancillary fees in the
original form of payment in accordance with Rule 260 of these conditions of carriage.
HOWEVER....if you read below that....
Delta shall have no liability if the flight cancellation, diversion or
delay was due to force majeure. As used in this rule, “force majeure” means actual,
threatened or reported:
(1) Weather conditions or acts of God
(2) Riots, civil unrest, embargoes, war, hostilities, or unsettled international conditions
(3) Strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, lockout, or any other labor-related dispute
(4) Government regulation, demand, directive or requirement
(5) Shortages of labor, fuel, or facilities
(6) Any other condition beyond Delta’s control or any fact not reasonably foreseen by Delta