American Airlines sucks!

Yep, you guessed it, I am stranded. They managed to lull me into thinking that the flights would be fine. No one once indicated that they could cancel at the last minute, but that is exactly what they did. I was one 45 minute flight from home and I missed the opportunity to go. They said it all looked great so I hopped on board a plane full of irritated passengers and dead-heading flight crews to Dallas from Chicago. When I got to Dallas the big board said "on time" for my flight to Mexico. When I got the gate the sign said delayed half an hour (this is half an hour before take off). I walked away to grab a beer (oh, wonderful beer!) and when I turned around the sign was blank and there was a huge line at the gate. Oh s---t! Check the big board, "canceled." They couldn't tell me that before I got on that airplane. So I stand in line for about an hour with some very irritated people. Apparently, they had all been through this at least once before. They don't say anything, they don't tell you what they think might happen or help you plan ahead even when you give them every opprotunity to help; nope, they just drop the bomb. They don't give the agents any information, either. They just book you on the next flight and say, "Good luck!" Well, I planned some buffer time just for an event like this, I guess. Erin and fam will not be there until Saturday (it is now Friday) and they have me booked out today. We shall see.
I really screwed up this whole plan, I should have just gone home and flown with the family; I have been kicking myself since I boarded that flight in Chicago. I knew it right away. I sat down next to this really nice couple with a a little girl, Abby, who was just a darling and I instantly thought, "Cliff, you are an idiot!" I never should have tried to go any where without my family. I should have gone home first and then it wouldn't matter where we are, at least we are together. So now, I sit in this very nice hotel room with a big bed and my own bathroom and a bar downstairs and cable TV and I can't help but think to myself that it is no better than that tin shack back in the desert. I know I piss and moan about how nasty that place is, but the real matter is what isn't outside the door. You could plop this hotel right over that rat hole I live in and it would be only a marginal improvement. I miss my wife, it's that simple.
Don't fly American Airlines,
Cliff