[ChrisH]

A "holding pattern" is air traffic control and has nothing to do with NWA. Blaming NWA for having to go into a holding pattern, is not right. I am a pilot; that is something that you are instructed to do by air traffic control, and can be for numerous reasons.

Maintenance is something that is considered the "airlines fault", but airplanes, just like your car, sometimes need maintenance. It happens. It is unfortunate, when it is your flight, and you are delayed, but better to fix the problem on the ground, than get into the air, when the problem occurs.