AA flight, early 90's
SNA-DFW-DCA
- departed SNA about 9:00am
- severe thunderstorms when approaching DFW, circled in holding pattern for a while, then diverted to TUL or OKC for fuel. sat there on the apron for a while, nobody allowed off the plane.
- landed at DFW about 11pm and hustle over to the next flight.
- next flight DFW-DCA boarded, told by GA we would leave about 12am, "just waiting for the crew"
- shortly after all pax were seated on the plane, announcement was made that crew has exceeded their daily limit, and another crew will see you in the morning!
- I'd say 80 or so of us were left to sleep on the plane (MD80?), unsupervised, overnight, with nobody from the airline on board!
- about 6am, new crew boards
- the final insult: the captain announces we are no longer going to DCA, we'll be landing at IAD.
- after sitting in a tube for about 24 hours, we arrive at IAD, and are out of pocket on the more lengthy and expensive cab ride to downtown DC.
I've never forgiven AA for that series of lies, half-truths, and absolutely abominable customer service.