YAWN

Karakasa,

I totally agree with previous posters that if you want to make a complaint (and not just ranting away), it needs to be concise and to the point. "Let me please summarize", and the you rant until the reader is fast asleep.

You can't complain about the delay as it was obviously force majuere - the plane had most likely been hit by lightning and needed a complete check (and possible replacements) of all electronical systems. Better safe than sore.

I had a similar incident in Hamburg in March. The flight coming from JFK was hit by lightning and was first announced delayed by 16 hours and later by 26 hours. I complained (not about the delay) about the treatment received from EK staff in Hamburg. After 3 months (and 1 reminder), EK "as gesture of goodwill" offered me return upgrades to any destination on EK network for my next ticket.

You can not demand, and not expect any refund. EK took you to Zurich (somewhat delayed), and that's what you paid for.