Wuss912 (comment #15) - Airlines will put you on another carrier if the delay or cancellation is their fault (mechanical, crew problems, etc). But if it's out of their control (weather, air traffic control, etc), they will not as policy. If an agent did put you on another airline, then that person went above and beyond what Alaska's policy states.

I don't get all the hatred here. You find me a US-based airline that will put you on another airline or pay for your hotel and meals when the flight is delayed or canceled due to weather or air traffic control. There isn't one.

And Darran - I can certainly understand if you prefer Qantas to Australia, but you say you also fly United? Yikes. The 747s that fly down to Australia have only the old school projector screens. That is not my idea of fun.