"Good Goes Around"-Yeah That's Why You're Bankrupt

Here is my experience of "Great" Customer Service:


Dear Mr. Stupid Idiot for flying with us,

Thank you for contacting us through delta.com. We are sorry for the delay in responding to your message.
We regret you were not able to make your original flight on April 24th.
All customers traveling domestically must check luggage at the ticket counter, kiosk, or delta.com at least thirty minutes prior to scheduled departure (45 minutes for Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando and
Denver) and check in at the gate at least 15 minutes prior to the flight's scheduled departure time.

**I was in Atlanta, Flight time out at 9:07 AM, bags checked curbside at 8:02. Security line 40 minutes, 8:42, Train between terminals disabled, running through terminals, 15 minutes, arrival at counter, 8:59, "Sorry, the door is closed, go make other arrangements." **

Required check-in times are available on delta.com and on ticket jackets. Our information indicates you did not meet the check-in requirement and your seats were released as a result. We regret any misunderstanding.
Again, thank you for writing. We appreciate your selection of Delta and will always welcome the opportunity to be of service.

Sincerely,
Name Removed Cause I'm not too bad a guy
Online Customer Support Desk
http://www.delta.com

Now- I'd like to know-- why can't an airline in the United States of America, show some understanding in the face of a mechanical failure? Surely, I have had to, planes are late or need to be fixed all the time, in fact on another flight I was delayed because the plane "was broken." The train in between terminals was broken, adding fifteen minutes to my travel between security and the gate.

I know schedules need to be kept, the airport is the busiest in the country, I should sit for 3 hours at the gate prior to my departure (sure Dad), but seriously, is a busted train not extenuating?

To add insult to injury, while making my arrangements for a flight 91/2 hours later, I specifically asked where my bags were. I was told they'd be held in Atlanta. Guess what? They went on the plane without me only to sit in baggage claim for 91/2 hours.

Could you give me a few extra frequent flyer miles or a some sort of bone here, maybe a jar of vaseline?

Nothing-- Thanks ever so much.