got bumped-how full was flight?
 

Philippine Airlines gave away my seat (5 minutes prior to when they release seats) and gave me no options other than "return to Delta" (as it was multiple delays on Delta's part that resulted in the late arrival)--How do I find out if that flight was full? It cost me nearly $1500 to get another flight in order to make my necessary connections

Separate flights?

Let me see if I can paraphrase your question.

"I booked a trip on separate airlines, Delta connecting to Philippine airlines. These were on separate tickets, not a single ticket.

I booked these as separate tickets of my own free will, fully accepting the risk that if my 1st flight was delayed I could possibly forfeit my PA ticket and need to purchase another ticket at same day sale cost.

My Delta flight was late and Philippine airlines gave away my seat because I missed the cutoff. I am claiming that they gave away the seat prematurely. Philippine airlines would not take responsibility for me missing my flight, and told me to talk to Delta, as it was their responsibility for me being late.

I don't believe the flight was full, and I'm trying to get evidence I can use against PA to argue that they were wrong, and they need to give me back my $."

Did I get that right?

If yes, then I think you are SOL. It doesn't matter if the flight was full or not. PA reserves the right to bump you if you do not check-in, drop off your bags, or arrive at the boarding gate by the required cut off time.

separate flights yes, and yes, I was there prior to cut off for seat surrender. No bags to check and ready to roll. If a flight is not full, why on earth would they NOT let me on the plane? It was a seat that was paid for, not like I was trying to catch a flight at the last minute.
Thank you for your replies

<<I was there prior to cut off for seat surrender.>> Seat surrender? Do you mean you were there before the gate closed and you are saying that you were not accepted for travel for no good reason? Were you checked-in, did you have your boarding pass? Was it at the gate that you were denied boarding?

<<If a flight is not full, why on earth would they NOT let me on the plane?>> If you arrived at the gate after it was closed for boarding, which is what I suspect happened, the airline will not accept you for travel. Gate close times are strict.

<<It was a seat that was paid for, not like I was trying to catch a flight at the last minute.>> If you are late for the flight, it makes no difference when you bought the ticket. Even if you had checked luggage, if you arrive late at the gate, you and your luggage will be offloaded.

Get reimbursed from Delta and/or from your trip insurance.

Delta doesn't owe the OP anything. It got her to her Delta destination ... late, but airlines don't have to promise to get you to your destination on time.

This situation illustrates exactly the risk of booking separate tickets. :-(

Yes always get trip insurance.

We got a trip on ff miles from LAX-SYD on saver awards. This was not anailable
ORD-SYD so we purchased the ORD-LAX part and are going in a day early just in case.

Always give yourself plenty of time.

Tough luck but next time get insurance and plan better if on two separate tickets.

You didn't get bumped, you were too late to the gate.