[hstvns]

The following is part of my letter to AA regarding our recent trip to Jamaica. The sent me a voucher for $175...big deal. As noted, we had the exact scenario during of November 08 trip to Aruba. Unfortunately. we live in SW Florida and must use AA unless we want to travel "north to go south." AA used to be great years ago. No more.

On Monday, May 11, my husband and I arrived at Tampa International Airport at 5:15am. We were to depart on flight 1040 to Miami at 6:45am.

The flight left the gate and taxied to the runway. The Captain announced that there was a mechanical issue and we would be returning to the gate. We returned to the gate and were told that the part that was needed was on site and would be replaced in a timely manner. The part was replaced but problems still persisted. We were told to take our carry on luggage and deplane. I went to the desk and was assured that I would make my 11am connection to Montego Bay.

Approximately one hour later, an American representative announced that the flight was cancelled. Go down stairs, retrieve your luggage and go AA to rebook you flight. We did so. My husband got on line and I attempted to reach Travelocity by phone. There was only one AA agent rebooking the entire flight. However, the AA agents were plentiful attending to new check in passengers.

After about two hours, we finally reached the front of the line. We were told that all TPA-MIA flights were full for the day. However, we were able to get seats on Continental 9254 which was to depart TPA at 5:30pm, arriving MIA at 6:30pm. We were to connect to AA838 at 7:50 pm to Montego Bay. It is now about 1pm.

About 3pm, I looked at the departure board and noticed that the Continental flight was late and would not be departing until 6:15pm. I went to the Continental desk and was assured by the agent that we would certainly not make the connection. She suggested that we return to the AA desk and rebook for the next day. We opted not to do that hoping for the best. The Continental flight left at 6:30pm and arrived MIA at 7:20pm. The American flight to Montego Bay was late so we were able to make our connection.

Then to complete a harrowing day, the luggage did not arrive. After filling out the necessary paperwork, we finally arrived at our hotel at about 11:30PM. Twelve hours after our scheduled arrival. The restaurants were closed so all we managed was a chicken sandwich from the snack bar. We were absolutely exhausted and went directly to bed.

We had almost the exact scenario in November when we went to Aruba to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. American cancelled out flight from Fort Myers to Miami, booked us on a late flight to Aruba getting in at 12 midnight thus losing another entire day. I did not request any compensation for that trip.