> ... got the shaft ...
>
> So now I am stuck over night in NJ
> with 2 kids because of there change.
> They did offer 3 "hotel vouchers"
>

A tad overly dramatic for my taste. Perhaps
you are simply not a really freq flyer.
Perhaps, not.

Regardless; *whenever* travelling by
airline:

*YOU* must be fully prepared missing connections and cancelled flights. There
are many reasons far beyond our control.

I recommend packing one full change of clothes in your carry-on for everyone in
your family. If you must unexpectedly
overnite, you will be prepared for just
about whatever.

Always carry 48 hours worth of of meds on your person; you will be prepared for just
about whatever.

Also wise to [re]consider how you pack
the checked baggage. Rather than have a
his, her's and kids' bags. Again; put a
little of everyones' clothes in each bag.
If a bag is lost, you will be prepared.

Photocopy a govt issued ID for everyone
travelling - wise for even domestic travel.

Use *paper* tickets. Avoid e-tickets. If
you must be rebooked on another carrier,
e-tickets are going to require that you
stand in at least one [likely two] add'l
lines.

Double-check *everything* - frequently. I
just learned that my travel agent [American
Express] decided to change my 1st-class
upgrade seating to a center coach seat back
by the engines. Mistakes happen. I caught
and fixed this before it became a problem.
Hint: *Everything* includes checking hotel, ground transportation ... ad. naseum.

Since you mention the hardship of travelling
with your children; it ain't easy on me
either. Please carry-on a few things that
will keep the occupied. Talk to the airline
and learn what will [not] be served on your
flight. Regardless of whatever they promise
you; pack some sort of snack. Ain't nothing
worse that travelling with a hungry child on
a [delayed] flight with the cabin too cold
or too hot. i.e. Dress them in layers.

If the kids are in diapers, carefully
estimate what you require for the duration
of the door-to-door travel time ... then
multiply by two [2].

If things go bad, really bad, really
really insanely bad. Never, ever bark
shout or threaten the goddesses working
the gates and cournters. Find someone that
does fit this description. Get the entire
family in line directly behind the jer[s].
Stay in line directly behind them. Use the
same gate agent that they have just savaged.

Be as sweet and sympathetic as possible
re: what they just endured. Offer them
your 'extra' apple/soda/whatever. Become
a Ward & June Cleaver family. When things
are really bad, the goddess at the counter
will sometimes award a miracle to the
deserving.

-doug