[upset mother]

I am truly disappointed in Continental's communication to it's passengers. My family of five have just returned from an exhausting trip to NY from Orlando FL. We were scheduled to leave at 5:40pm on Friday 7/22. However, because of inclement weather (thunderstorms) we were delayed over 2 hours. I am o.k with the delay. I would rather wait it out until it is safe for all to travel-I understand this, especially because I was traveling with my two small children. The issue that concerns me is that I spoke with two separate agents, and asked what the delay would mean for my connecting flight. Both spoke confidently and explained that it may be close, however our connecting city in Ohio has been delayed as well. After the flight, prior to getting off, the announcement was made that we should exit quickly as flights are being held. To my surprise, as I exited the plane I was given a new boarding pass for a flight the next day at 8:40 am, and told that all hotels were booked- that's it. . . Representatives were annoyed because there were quite a few families in the same situation. One lead agent explained that Ohio had communicated with Orlando, and begged them not to send anyone with a connecting flight, as the Ohio planes left on schedule or very close to schedule. Orlando was also told that there were no hotel rooms because of an event. So why the deceit? I could have made a decision to remain in Orlando, and fly out the next morning. Instead, my mother, sister and two toddlers were forced to sleep on the airport floors, and crunched in the chairs. To top it off, the airport closed at 10:00pm. There was limited food (one D and D)-alarms continued to sound, the lights were bright, and the elevator music was way too loud. I am grateful we arrived safely and together-I know that is what is important, however it just upsets me that Continental did not communicate properly with me as to what was going on-I could have made a well informed decision that would have decreased my family's discomfort. I will not be traveling Continental any longer-why would I continue to do business with an airline that lacks respect for it's customers.

[azstar]

I'm sure the Orlando station received the information but they may not have passed it on to all the agents working at that time. If they did, the Orlando agents would have to a) inform you that you would miss your connection, try to rebook you on different flights which may, or may not, be available for several days, deal with possibly a hundred irate individuals, get stuck for hours past the end of their shift, or b) send you to Ohio where you would all become "someone else's problem". Unfortunately, this behaviour is all too typical in today's airline environment.