I can't resist... Here is a nightmare.

I was 13, traveling with 10 year old sister and Mom. Going from Norfolk to Duluth, MN. Mom is traveling with family to Alaska the next day by SUV 4x4 with pre-determined hotel reservations along the entire route.

Leave Norfolk in morning & get to detroit just fine. DTW to MSP is a 747 going on to Japan after MN. 300+ passengers. Everyone boards. I notice several mechanics inspecting engine outside my window... Interesting. Several announcements to the effect that there is a mechanical issue but we will be leaving shortly. Hour passes and we all are asked to deplane. At the gate, Mom inquires about one of the other 6 flights going to MSP that evening so we can get our MSP-DLH connection and she can get to Alaska on schedule. Several times she is told "Don't worry - This plane WILL be going". 1 hour, 2, 3, 4 hours, now no hope of making MSP-DLH flight. 5 hours. We board again (11pm). I look out my window and see mechanics with flashlights inspecting engine. Interesting. Announcements made that we will be leaving soon. 45 minutes pass and flight is cancelled. On way off plane, told to go to main concourse to get hotel vouchers. 300 people in line for vouchers. Then 300 people in line for shuttle bus that carries 16 people to hotel. Check in around 1am. Told the flight will take off at 7am next morning.

After 3 hours of sleep, return to gate at 6am. No plane! Told that our plane is on a "test" flight. Plane finally shows up at 9am. Board, take off, and get to MSP.

Mom has already missed reservations for Alaska car trip. Pushes trip back by 1 day at last minute. Go to gate for MSP-DLH flight. No plane. 1 hour. 2 hours. Mom inquires about other 6 flights to Duluth. Told "Don't worry - This plane WILL be going". 3 hours. Flight is cancelled for mechanical reasons. All passengers asked to wait in line for a BUS TICKET that will take us on a 4 hour bus ride to Duluth! Told NO POSSIBLE way to get on a flight today by gate agant.

Mom loses it (again). Wonders off, crying down concourse. Finds a NW supervisor and relates the last 36 hours of travel. Supervisor finds 3 seat on next flight to Duluth.

Get to Duluth -- of course, no luggage. Mom leaves for Alaska with nothing but what she had in her carry-on.

Later!