Ken - Thanks for the interesting insight. At this moment, we are happy to have our confirmations from NW and Delta (I checked our reservations at Delta.com and found that they recognize us there). It still seems quite odd that NW can sell the Biz seats for less than half of the price that Delta is selling them; but we will be content with our grand bargain.

Fortunately, now that we have received all sorts of detailed confirmations of the sale, we will have a sound case in contract law against Delta if they refuse to honor the reservations. Lordie, what a drag to have to think about how to sue one's airline if they don't honor a reservation? It is indeed unfortunate to have to think of airline reservations in terms of potentially adversarial relations.

Oh well, if we end up in steerage or in cargo, we'll still make it to Rio. Hmm, lovely images of delightfully tanned creatures on the beach at Ipanema...