Originally Posted by
zgscl
Just wanted to provide an update. The train arrived into Chicago 9.5 hours late. I decided to get off in KCY and fly home from MCI. To my surprise a few days after getting home I got a call from Amtrak customer relations and they gave me (without my asking) a $150 evoucher for use on future Amtrak travel. I know they also know that they provided everyone on the train with a free dinner for the people who stayed on to Chicago. I can't see any of the airlines doing either of these things.
Glad you were able to resolve the situation and fly out of MCI.
That said, your last statement isn't quite accurate. For mechanical issues, airlines definitely do issue meal vouchers, and they will provide compensation for excessive delays like that. A friend recently encountered a 6-hour delay on Alaska Airlines and was issued a $300 voucher on top of a meal voucher. And I had another friend with a series of three 3-hour delays get a $350 voucher from UA on top of meal vouchers.