This has been a fascinating thread. Also, my first time to this section, interesting.

Couldn't most of us agree that at one time we are early? another time, we are the late ones? So it goes around.

Anyone who lives in a city like LA knows about traffic, and yes, it does affect making flights, and yes, I do take it into account. We all made a flight to Vegas, all coming from different directions, in my case, from work-trying to get as much out of the day as possible, and we made the flight via a miracle-flight was delayed. The LA traffic was jammed stopped. I figured we'd miss it, take the next flight.

I think we should be fair to everyone as we are usually on both sides of the coin. It is rude, for those concerned, and there are plenty!, who make it a habbit of running late and showing up, always, at the last minute. The airlines are rewarding them for that behavior and it says I am better than you. At the same time, I am grateful when they have done it for us, with the crowd in line cursing us.

I try very hard to keep on AA or the Oneworld airlines for my status-Platinum, easy check in, and perks. Lately I have had, without a choice, to fly someone else. Just grin and bear it. Always use skycap if possible. I didn't quite understand why you didn't use skycap in the first place!? Many of them now print you out a boarding pass, and you're done. Give them a big tip, and you know what!?, they've earned it.

Hope this helps and that AA works better for you next time.

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Michael
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
HH GLD, SCI GLD, MM SIL
LE PRESIDENT ETERNEL DE CAMAIR-CAMEROUN AIRLINES