Thanks for the replys.

In my outbound HPN-ORD-LAS we purposely went 1 hr early simply to avoid problems on a 45 min connection. No such option was available on the return. Waste my time to fly UA? Only because I have too many miles to spend.

LAS did not seem (to me) to be prone to departure delays. If there were arrival delays into IAD, it would very likely impact my connection as well. Instead, the opposite happened. Weather was not a factor in the LAS delay.

Colin, fare was 40k miles standard award each. Not chump change for a backup itin ~ $370 on US/Southwest. The trip benefitted UA more than it did me.

robb, I am quite familiar with LGA and cabs. Anyone who travels through LGA realizes that the cab situation is typically a joke. A line 100-150 people deep and 1-2 cabs/minute is not an option at that time of night. Why? Because there is no reason to take a cab TO LGA at 12.30am, thus no cabs leaving the airport. NYC cabs are required to take you to any NYC destination, but not beyond. Fare is to destination plus distance back to city limit. Not an option as previously stated.

Car services either not available or wanted $130+. A 1-day compact rental including taxes is >= $80 easy, pick any company. One-way has no impact on pricing. Advance reservation has no impact on pricing. No other option as previously stated.

No hotel was offered even after asking/demanding (goons at UX: "not our fault"), so it was spend $100-200 out of pocket and arrive late for work, or spend for ground transportation and sleep in my own bed. Obviously the latter is better.

IAD: never again.

When I lived in ORD or SFO, UA was a good option. Out of NYC/vicinity, UA sucks. Lesson re-learned.