[airhead]

As far as law and liability, the airline is not legally obligated to compensate under conditions of acts of God. They are, however, supposed to provide reasonable accommodations if available at a reduced price "distressed passenger rate."

I believe their is an inn keepers law that requires a hotel to find such accommodations if all rooms are full but that pertains to travelers on the road for the safety of the traveler and others on the road. The laws that covers interstate commerce provide that hotels ARE NOT responsible for loss that are a result of acts of God or terrorism or even other guests' neglect as long as the hotel acted in a manner of reasonable care. Though the laws for airlines are different, the differences are applied when terrorism strikes and even then , the airlines liability is limited. As long as the airline can prove they acted with more than enough reasonable care, they are off the hook. But we all know from past accidents or acts of terror, when the airline is not obligated to do so, they still do something..I think most of it is publicity but the facts still remains.

In this case, the passenger neglected to pack a reasonable amount food for the child and an act of God caused the delay to the destination. How is the airline's at fault? Even if the employees knew the passenger was on the way, they are charged with the responsibility to act in the best interest for the majority already on board.

The airlines contract obligation is to get the passenger from point A to B in a reasonable amount of time.

In my opinion, from experience, I think the passenger had too much faith that everything would go smoothly. If it takes 2 days to travel hundreds of miles it is still a good thing. Just think how long it would take on a horse and buggy, but that is comparing apples and oranges.