Originally Posted by
pptp
While I have no problem in making companies adhere to the technicalities of their rules (given that you can prove your case), I have to say that arriving to the airport 30 mins before departure was a severe rookie move that didn't help your situation. Is that normal for you, or just running late?
Gotta stack the deck in your favor when it comes to flying and 30 mins is not early enough.
You and I have different opinions on what constitutes rookie
As someone who travels frequently, I have a pretty good idea of how long I need to get through the airports I frequent, and I don't care to spend any more of my time than necessary at the airport waiting around. I regularly show up 30-40 minutes before departure, and would consider the rookie behavior to be there 2 hours early for a simple domestic departure, especially early in the morning. (Example: A friend of mine who flew SMF-SAN for Christmas told me that, heeding the airline's advice, she showed up 1:30 or 2:00 before departure. Rookie mistake, since the counter didn't even open until 1 hour before the flight!) Definitely a YMMV situation!