[Dooley]

On a recent trip from SRQ to MHT ( DL 2298, 776), Delta changed our reserved seats on two of the four legs, I caught one during on line check in, the other occurred as we gave our passes to the gate agent who took them and gave us two new ones. One flight (776) our new seats were in row 44, next to the lavs, no recline, no underseat storage. On Flight 2298 we were apart by about 20 rows. The reason given was there was a change of equipment. When questioned as to what aircraft was now flying, it turned out it was the same model I booked months prior. The seats I reserved were in the same place, only with other people in them. Complaints to Delta resulted in corporate spin on needs of the company, and reserving a seat does not mean it is yours. Since we were traveling on one paid ticket and one Am Exp companion ticket ($99), I feel we were bumped. Is this common?