They loaded us all on the 777 to LHR. I sat in 1A and saw the trap door was open with some technicians working. The air conditioning valve for the right engine wasn't opening. So we sat around for an hour or two. Then the concierge asked all us 1st class folks to leave the plane and go to the lounge.

I've had this happen before. They cancel the flight and rebook all the 1st class people while the rest of the poor slugs sit on the plane. Only this time, all flights to LHR were booked. We had the choice of going to JFK and have a 3 hour layover or go home and come back tomorrow. Most of us chose to return the next day.

United volunteered a Super Shuttle voucher. I told them to give me an Avis voucher. They caved.

We all returned the next day and the plane STILL had problems. I talked to the captain about it and he said that yesterday's cancellation was totally his idea. He didn't want to take a chance.

But they fixed things in about 20 minutes and we left. When we started descent in London, the FA's handed out a "we're sorry" flyer which we filled out and returned. Supposedly we will get some kind of gift for our problems.

In my "We're Sorry" form I got a 100 dollar certificate. Not bad.

You could get miles or an upgrade certificate.

They should give you double miles also for the inconvenience!