[my3sons]

Its the day before thanksgiving and I'm trying to get home to my family. I got to the airport 5 hours early. At check in i was informed that there was a flight leaving 2 hours before my scheduled flight. The lady said to check in at the gate to get on the fligjt as there were 20 open seats. This was a 2+1 plane so that is only about half full.

At the gate the agent told me she would not let me on the plane unless i paid 75$. I told here i would just like stand by. She refused to put me on the list. I asked her if she would reconsider after all were boarded and all stand bys accomadated. Nope! I stood there and watched all of 20 people's board and asked again. I told here i was trying to get home to see y 3 boys. Her answer was "i have 3 kids too. " She refused to let me on. I was polite as i could be and only had a carry on. Even other people at the gate were asking her to just let on.

I have been a loyal American customer for over a decade and have been really let down lately. A few times this year i have flown Delta and could not believe how much better the service seemed to be. What ever they are doing at AA latley is not helping themselves in my eyes. I will be switching where i spend my money i think.

I understand this my be a new change in AA policy but i know gate agents have leeway in controlling boarding. I feel i was treated without compassion or a desire to serve the customer. They should understand that it is a privilage for them that we use their services. Not that they are doing us a favor. Am i wrong? Or was she not able to help me?

Thank you