I assume you were on DL3794 which departs at 6:00am out of MQT. Your report suggests that you arrived at the airport at 5:28am—before your bathroom emergency. Even if your time with nature was two minutes, unfortunately, you missed the documented check-in deadline before even stepping foot in the bathroom.
I know you’re angry, and I want to empathize with you as a road warrior. Especially because the agents saw you. However, if I were another passenger, I would expect an agent to be present at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure. That would be impossible if they were checking you in. It takes the agent at least 30 minutes to execute normal departure procedures. If he/she wasn’t there, they’d have to delay the entire flight. We’ve all had bad weather and bathroom emergencies. But it’s not fair to think that it’s a valid excuse to disrupt everyone else’s travel experience. I’m sorry—I’m sure that’s not what you wanted to hear, especially since you were just venting on a complaint site.
However, regarding what you described with your daughter on Friday: there is very good news. Assuming that your description is accurate, she is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price. If a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled for any reason, you are entitled to a refund to the original form of payment. You don’t need travel insurance. Further, if you write in to Customer Relations on delta.com, they often provide additional compensation (usually a voucher) when the delay was caused by mechanical issues since it was technically within their control.
Please make sure your daughter applies for that refund—she certainly deserves it.
Safe travels to you and your family,
Matt
|