[jimworcs]

Not quite sure you are cut out for the hurly burly of international air travel.....

Charging exhorbitant fees for last minute changes to flights is standard on all low costs... it is outrageous, but market driven. However, you are entitled to have the taxes refunded.... but there is usually a catch...and the benefit is often negated by a change fee which eats it all up. It can be better to abandon the ticket you have purchased and purchase another one on the internet.

You don't become vulnerable because you have paid a higher price than you think is fair... you were irritated and grumpy...let's be honest. It is not true that you are not allowed to take liquids onboard the plane. You can buy water past the security gate and take it on to the aircraft no problem.

The delays on the ground due to ATC slots etc are irritating but are simply part of the normal process of air travel. You were not coping because you were irritated and resentful. I suspect this came across loud and clear to the aircraft staff and other customers, which is why they were treating you as they did.

Frankly, your list of complaints are petty. I am normally quite critical of the airlines and there are elements of what you describe which I may have been more sympathetic about, but you come across as self indulgent, whiny and a pain in the ****... so you can add me to the list of UK based unsympathetic people. Surly and resentful is unpleasant for everyone.