blithespirit - The problem isn't that AF put a heavy "penalty" for you missing the connection. Instead, it's due to the arcane, ridiculous, and nonsensical ways airline fares are structured. I totally do not agree why the same coach ticket can be <$1,000 when bought in advance, but becomes $2,000+ at the airport.

Unfortunately, that's the way things are right now, and the consumer simply has to understand this and plan their travel accordingly.

Well, in a very simplistic way of looking at it, if the fare structure wasn't set-up this way, then ALL coach seats would cost $1500, all the time. Would you rather have that?

Blithespirit, I know you are still upset and I feel for sure we all understand.
Companies in these times (not just airlines) do not go out of their way to make their rules and regulations real clear.
In your other thread I commented that I had been thinking of taking JetBlue to JFK and than a flight from there to Italy but worried "what if I am not on time for the flight at JFK leaving for Italy". The reason I had these thoughts was not just because of past travels. It was because at one point I was a Market Rep. for one of the major airlines and also worked for one year in a travel agency.
But I stilll thought "oh, if I take JetBlue from the westcoast to JFK it will be a good flight, will save money".
Than your thread came up!
For sure I knew that "in the back of my mind my worries had a reason".
I cannot even imagine how upset you were at JFK. Planning a trip for your family after losing your dear husband.
I am sure the rest of your family was upset too.
Blithespirit, do know something good came of this.
You posted what happened to you.
You have educated a lot of Fodorites.
I know that this doesn't help your situation but at least you perhaps have saved a lot of flyers from having the same problem, not knowing how airlines work.
Now, when you feel in the mood I am sure a lot of Fodorites would love to read a trip report. I do not think you have posted one. Maybe I am wrong but I have not seen one. I, personally, would love to read about your trip in Italy with your family. I am sure others would also. Hopefully you can you this.

"And there is a reference from Flyboy that I wanted to be cheap and got caught... (hey! being frugal IS OK...it's not a crime. Multiply an extra $100 here and there times 6 and we're talking about a lot of $$$.)"

I'm sure that I'm not the one who said that and I can assure you that I make no negative judgement of you at all. I'm all for saving money and I make it a point to do it myself every chance I get. Thanks for coming back to participate and for sharing an experience that will be helpful to many others. We don't mean to make you into a whipping girl for it and I'm sorry it was such an expensive adventure.

LoveItaly

I appreciate your kind thoughts and everyone else's on this forum. I've learned a lot and have put the whole experience in the back of my mind refusing to allow it to ruin a most wonderful family vacation. I did post a trip report last month (See! The trip report was a greater priority than the ticketing thing).

Here it is:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34527910

Ciao!

Blithespirit, thanks for giving me your posting address. I should have looked this up. Wonderful report, and you and I have done a lot of the same things in Italy so it was extra special to read your report. I had wondered if your trip had been special, and obviously it was, which is the most important. Hold these beautiful memories in your heart, they are the most important

I inadvertently posted my note to NatalieM on the my original thread (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34533129) and wanted to make sure she received it, so I'm posting it correctly now.

"And I'm sorry, NatalieM, for the way my situation seemed to take over your legitimate inquiry about discount fares. Just don't do what I naively and ignorantly did -- buy separate tickets and think 3 hours is enough to make a connection and think the airlines will give you any kind of break. Silly me...

Over and out... Blithespirit."