[niah]

On a return flight to the UK from USA, I used the online checking in service, chose seats etc.
My 7 year old child and me arrived at the checking in desk 50 minutes before departure and were told that both my son and I could board the plane but they could not contemplate checking in my luggage at this late stage. I was told there was no provision for our luggage and as such it would have to be destroyed.
I begged, pleaded and went as far as going down on my knees but they refused to take our luggage.
To cut a long story the plane left without us.
However, staff informed me that because I was only a little late, they would let me take the next flight in 24 hours free of charge.
The next day I arrived with plenty time, checked in our luggage, got boarding passes, cleared security and sat patiently in the departure area waiting to board.
To my horror, as I joined the line to board the plane, a member of staff approached me and said “excuse me maame, but we forgot to tell you that you have to pay £350 for the change in flight and we can’t let u on the plane”
(I am a student nurse and was only able to make this journey through winning a competition)
He went on to tell me that my suitcases had been removed from the plane in case I couldn’t pay... I started to cry and several fellow passengers started to collect their own personal money to get me on the plane. Unfortunately they only raised £120 and the staff refused it.
To cut a long story this plane also left without us.
Although I had a BA ticket, I was told to place myself on standby with another airline and after flying almost all over USA, sleep deprivation, starvation, being asked to leave another plane.
My child and I arrived in the UK 4 days later.
This is the end of my story and I would appreciate any feedback. I am not a regular traveller and wondered if I have any rights.