Put this in the ouch category. DFW-ATL commuter, 25 year pilot, unable to get on flights purchases a ticket to ATL, somewhere between $500-$600. When he prints it off at the kiosk what does it say? Seat Request Card.

He goes and asks the gate agent why no seat, the agent informs him sorry, we're oversold and you won't be on this flight and there isn't anything I can do about it. So he had to get a PD for his trip and he's got some Delta dollars to burn, someday.