Originally Posted by
IAH-OIL-TRASH
Although annoying, that's really not an extraordinarily long delay. Without status, an apology letter. If UA's feeling generous, maybe 2500 miles? There are a lot of much more worse scenarios. Don't expect $.
I agree with your assessment.
If I was OP, I would argue it was a 4 hour delay... 2.5 hours + 1.5 for luggage = 4 hours.
OP - Don't expect much, if anything, but worth a shot.