I just had one of those flight experiences that was the worst comedy of errors and delays that I have ever ever ever had. Here goes. The intended itin was from Paris (CDG) Chicago (ORD) to SFO. I left Paris at 9AM on the 27th (my birthday that never seemed to end).

CDG-ORD. Lovely C class flight on a 777. Great crew.

ORD - Arrived early, easy connection.

ORD-SFO. Got on an old 747-200, upper deck. 1/2 hour out, reported engine fire, engine shut down, return to ORD.

Ground in ORD. Kept us on plane for a bit. Decided aircraft was irreparably out of service. No information. Went to 1K room. next 2 flights to DEN were (1) delayed and (2) cancelled. Next flight to SFO cancelled. Other next flight to SFO overstuffed. Routed myself to LAX with a a generous connection time to SFO. LAX plane had a 1/2 hr mechanical. In the meantime the main ATC control center for ORD had some kind of fire/chemical spill and was being evacuated. Was on taxiway for over an hour. Arrived at LAX after the last SFO flight went. I was the only misconnect that didn't have a hotel/meal/morning flight arrangement made. He finally did that. (Already awake more than 24 hrs). Woke up this AM, went to LAX, flight to SFO cancelled. Every other flight cancelled, the others delayed. They attempted to rebook me for tonight. Waitlisted for other flight. Tried to use breakfast voucher at airport restaurant, who at first didn't want to accept it. Manager 10 mins later decided it was ok. Cleared waitlist. Sat next to nice lady for an hour. Home. Total time - 34 hours.