We took that same route in March 2010 from MSP out to anaheim through denver on fronteir. Unfortunatly it was the single worst flying expereince I have EVER had, bad enough that I would seriously never ever fly them again, even if it was cheaper.
We didnt have any major issues flying out except for every flight was late. On the way home, there was some weather in denver. Our flight out of CA was delayed because of this and we were told not to worry,everything was also delayed going out so we were fine. Well we finally got to denver and our flight to MSP appeared to have been the only one that left on time. There were a ton of travelers on our flight that were going to MSP, I am surprised they didnt hold it, we just missed it. We went to the counter and were told there were no flight out not totally booked until Tues (this was a FRI) and even then there were few seats, it could be a week or more. Seriously? A week or more to get home? I understand they cant do anything about weather but we couldnt believe they didnt try any harder to help all of us stranded. And there were a lot of us!
We had three young children at the time, 2, 5 and 8. We were expected to stay at the airport from open to close on the standby list or we would get pushed back to the end. A lot of people slept at the airport but with the kids we didnt feel we could. So we went to a hotel for a whole four hours, only to have to come back at 5am the next morning. We had no luggage, my husband had to take a taxi to get more diapers! We were very very fortunate to get out on a morning flight. Initially it looked like it was going to be just me and the kids, then my husband got on last minute. The woman at the gate was the meanest and rudest person I have ever met. When she called us up she said she needed a decision now, and I no more than turned around to my husband to see if he was ok with the kids and I going and she was screaming at me to either get on the plane or she would give our seats to someone else. It was awful. Then when my husband got on, she threw the tickets at him.
Again, I understand bad weather, but honestly, a little care and concern and just even someone saying they were sorry this was happening would have gone a long way, but to be screamed at? They truly seemed to care less we might be stuck there for days. It would have been hard enough as two adults but with kids it was a very trying time and put a real damper on the end to our vacation!
