I had the same type experience at DFW a couple of weeks ago.

I came from HNL, arrivied at DFW 0645 and was to take AE to DAY at 1030 or so. Had a lot of time to kill so went to AC near gate A22. The AE flight to DAY was leaving from A2.

Problem is, I am have never left out of DFW on AE before and didn't know what was involved.

I sat at the AC fat and happy, got my boarding pass and started to the gate about 45 minutes before departure time. I assumed A2 was just a walk down the way from A22.

When I ran out of gates, and no A2, I did a doubletake and found I had to go downstairs. No problem, however when I got there, I learned I had to take a bus to the REAL A2!

No bus for 15 minutes.

I, and another passenger on the bus, arrived at A2 about 20-25 minutes bsfore scheduled departure. The flight was closed!

The gate agent dsaid there was nothing she could do, but "Scott" might. She called him. He showed about 15 minutes later. Said it was too late. The plane had not moved, and had it's door open!

I told him I came from AKL, via HNL, returning home (home is actually TPA) early because my Father passed away and I was going to the wake that evening and the funeral the next day. True story by the way. Still nothing. I then asked that for "security" reasons my baggage be offloaded. He said that can't be done and that AA would get it safely to DAY.

The fact I am EXP and traveling on a full J ticket meant nothing, except a re-route through ORD several hours later.

I have not yet said anything, thinking I was part to blame. Should I?