Stranded Delta passengers learning pitfalls of airline deregulation

After a power outage grounded hundreds of Delta planes again Tuesday morning, passengers learned the meaning of deregulation.

When the airlines were regulated they were forced to have reciprocity with other airlines. That means they would honor each other's tickets when an event like this came up. So now there are long lines of people waiting in airports.

Now, airlines aren't required to do that. So they cut a few deals, but not many. Some Delta passengers got flights with United and Alaska, Delta still has reciprocity with those two, but most other airlines were not accepting Delta's tickets.

Passengers are owed a refund if they want it and that's about it. Passengers can ask for compensation, but there's not much in terms of laws backing them up.

Click here for more information on flyers rights.