[Matt_FLL]

Any blockade to spending time with your family is a tragedy. The time is something you can never recover. I really feel badly when I read your story.

Based on your letter, it sounds as if you have not recently incurred a flight disruption, and I am very glad about that. Believe it or not, your description of the incident is consistent with the policy and procedure of every airline. Without any dismissal of your understandable anxiety and disappointment, please do remember the passengers on flight 409 were also attempting to visit family on Christmas eve. Flights have designated takeoff windows, and a short delay from pushing back in congested conditions could cause the flight to lose that window, thus causing an exponential delay. What do you think would have happened if the 100+ passengers were presented the facts and risks, and then were asked to vote if the aircraft should wait for you?

Regardless, I hope that you and your daughter were able to enjoy what little Christmas you were given. I’m sure you’ve learned the hard way—avoid connecting flights when your arrival is time-sensitive. Please let us know if US Airways responds. You deserve something like a voucher, but I am almost certain that they will repeat what I’ve written.