Yep I misinterpreted the DOT provision, but I still think this is unreasonable. We've gone less than 10 mi in 1 hour. I live is SB and there is no upside to this---anyone would be insane to drive to-from LA on a friday night.

Would I have been entitled to other accomodation? Like a hotel room and a seat on the next days flight?

And for comparison, I could have taken the Santa Barbara airbus for $50 or the Amtrak for $18. I'm certain AA is making money by bussing us to SB.