Booking connecting flights

[N860CR]

I'm trying to figure out what the best flight combo is for a YVR-NYC segment of my upcoming trip to the states. Basically, I've come down to two options:

Booked through Alaska Airlines Website:
YVR-SEA-EWR - YVR-SEA on AS flight, SEA-EWR on AS codeshare on CO @ $333US

Booked through Expedia
YVR-SEA-JFK - YVR-SEA on NW codeshare on the same AS flight, then SEA-JFK on Delta (with Delta flight no) @ $300US

Now my concern is, if the YVR-SEA flight is delayed and I miss the connection, what are my rights? If I book it with AS with two AS flight numbers, i'm assuming AS has to assist me. But... if i book through Expedia on two different airlines (even though it sells it as one ticket), who is going to help me? If I rock up at SEA without a flight, will DL say go see NW, and NW say go see DL?!

That said... It's exactly the same YVR-SEA flight, getting into SEA at 8:40pm. The AS codeshare leaves to EWR at 10:35pm, and the DL one at 11pm, so either way if that first flight is late I'll miss the connection.

What would you well travelled ones do? Pay more for the AS/AS, or risk the NW/DL? Are those connection times generous enough to risk it?

 

[N860CR]

Oh, and one final question - I think I'll pass through US immigration and customs in YVR, so will my bags be checked through to NY and will I be issued with both boarding passes (in both cases?)

 

[NM]

Also look at CX as a non-stop option. Just be sure to check the flight times as I know the JFK-YVR is not friendly for YVR arrival :shock: .

 

[N860CR]

CX is coming up at about $800 one way so its a little pricey for my liking!