[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Under the circumstances you described US Airways should give you a refund which reflects the cost of your return transportation. You may need to take US Airways to small claims court to get them to pay. For the purpose of a refund, the circumstances surrounding your not being allowed to use your return flight are irrelevant as to what prompted US Airways decision to deny you transportation. Whether you'll see the entire amount you paid Continental remains to be seen. Does Amtrak have a station reasonably near your home? If a US Airways representative shows-up in court expect him to have the Amtrak fares in hand. If Amtrak would have cost you less than Continental, you may only see the Amtrak fare. The flight attendant's comment, as you left the plane, was very revealing. His statements, in effect, say there is, almost, no sort of bad behavior a US Airways flight attendant can expect consequences for. As to the incident that sparked this situation: In the future if you don't have the time, and/or money, to visit a "UPS Store," or similiar type of service, then don't buy an item which will not withstand travel in checked baggage. I know, for a fact, Fort Lauderdale has a few UPS Stores. I've patronized one or two. As to the cop: Don't expect anything but a self-righteous defense of the Deputy's actions from the Broward Sheriff's Office. Finally, being banned, by US Airways, is kind of like the ruler of Darfur telling you you're not welcome there! Still, I trust your husband now sees the value of adopting the personality of a masochist when travelling with US-based airlines. Expect to see a heap of posts, following this one, by airline people calling you names and saying that flight attendant, and the gate agent, are the next thing to Mother Theresa!