Haven't had this happen in a while...45 mins prior to departure, AC announced a 'part is on its way from SFO' and we'll receive a departure time update. 15 mins later 'problem fixed, please board'. Smelled something fishy, but no other option than to board. As soon as door closed, Capt announced that 'part is on its way from SFO' to fix flight deck-cabin crew intercom and that we can't fly until it's fixed. Hour later, same announcement, water/juice/snackbox service & IFE (it's a 777) turned on. Same 'on its way' update every 1/2 hour--we were starting to wonder if they'd sent the part 40 miles down by bike messenger. At this point, I called the EXP line and asked for protection on the next day's flight.

At the 2 hour mark, Capt started explaining 'crew restriction' rules--addl. co-pilot needed if delay exceeded 2.5 hours. Of course you can guess what happened next...

Sent to the AC for rebooking--SJC is a small club that was not at all prepared to handle the situation. After 2 hours waiting in a line that streamed into the hall, we obtained seat assignments, hotel voucher (Hyatt), meal vouchers ($30 for 2) in less than 5 minutes, thanks to my earlier call to the EXP line.

Many folks in J/F were rebooked through LAX--one guy had upgraded SJC-NRT and then coach on Cathay to HKG. He was rebooked to LAX and then J directly to HKG on Cathay...nice! Other folks didn't fare as well and the process took almost an hour for one guy (holding up everyone else in that line), as one of the agents couldn't get the tax to price correctly.

In addition to calling the EXP line, I whipped out the laptop and used ExpertFlyer to view other options via LAX, SFO, etc. It really is worth its weight in gold, although I quickly found out that my scheme to overnight in HNL wasn't going to happen.

I'll give this f/b to the AC folks when we're back today, but they should have assigned every pax a number (and a drink voucher, of course!), let them in the club and worked down the list, instead of making everyone stand in line for hours. Think of the bar revenue that could have been generated! Also, agents spent a great deal of time explaining the same info to each pax (especially non-native speakers)--location of their I-94 forms, location of the hotel shuttle, etc. Would have been more effective to have this on pre-printed sheets or made a single announcement to the entire line.

Quick question for FT/AA gurus--what do you think happened to the crew of the flight? Will they get 'credit' for that flight or was it a big waste of their time as well? I'm curious, b/c it was clear prior to boarding that there would be a significant delay...not sure why we had to sit on the plane vs. sitting at the gate w/internet access, food, etc. and generally being productive (ok, so I'm a little bitter!).