Originally Posted by
Indelaware
Were you allowed to deplane at PHX and then were stuck in the terminal? If so, I'd say that is not US's fault. However, if you were kept captive on the aircraft, that is, IMO, US' fault. US could have chosen to borrow gates at other terminals or likewise they could have deplaned people onto the tarmac and then bussed them to one of the other terminals.
I don't know that it even has to be the airline's fault.
My one trip-in-vain experience: I was onboard a flight at PHX for a day trip to a meeting and there was a security breach. They emptied the terminal, AND everyone who had already boarded, but their aircraft hadn't taken off. They emptied our fully-boarded flight. The line for security was miles long -- literally out the door and down the street. I waited in line until it was clear that I could never make my meeting. I went to the US ticket counter, explained, and they issued a 'trip-in-vain' refund.