Isn't having things like this just part of the job? Commuting has its dangers and this is one of them. Just part of paying your dues or the job in my opinion. Getting screwed by the gate agent and other crews is what happens when you have an industry that puts more priority on what the customers want than whats good for the crews. So if you don't like it, find another job where you don't have to worry bout getting hosed trying to get home.