FL planes leaving early from ATL?
Ms. Goheels called at 9:46 from ATL, very upset that FL29 ATL-CLT had left early. Departure was scheduled at 9:50pm, she was at gate with 3 other connecting pax by 9:35--no agent, door shut. Special Services is telling her the plane left at 9:40pm and thus she wasn't eligible for compensation or alternate transport (they were at SS by 9:43pm, which was several minutes' walk away.)
Does FL do this often? I understand there are weather issues and GA's want to get out of there, but leaving people behind and then claiming a 9:40 departure (which we all know means the door shut long before) is terrible policy and should subject them having to offer IDB compensation.
Any perspectives (on what she could/should do?) Thanks in advance from a FL rookie!