[4 travellers]

In March, our flight to Toronto was delayed by leaving by three hours. The result was that we missed our connecting flight. While we had been told we would be rebooked for the next available flight, that was not the case. There were 5 flights leaving Toronto for Vancouver. Unfortunately we were not booked on any of these. We were told that the next flight that we could take ws over 24hours away. It was suggested that we wait near the gates of the departing flights. Flying with 2 children, we waited. After waiting at the first flight leaving, approx 10 standby passengers were called. We were told that they could fly one of us out. The next available flight, we now needed 3 seats. After listening to 12 one-of standby passengers were called, we were told that one seat was left. When asked why standby passengers were taking priority over us, we were told, "They paid to go standby on that particular flight' We had paid for our seats 5 months in advance, and then told that they couldn't get us to our parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary. Who would have thought that paying on the day of the flight, would take priority.
I won't mention that they lost our luggage for 36 hours.

[cortney]

i see what your saying. these could have been elite members who decided to fly stand by on an earlier flight and pay that fee, but also had a paid ticket for a later flight. you were booked on the next available flight with open seats. this flight may have been full, but there were no-shows, thats how the people that paid the fee to standby were on before you