AA cancelled our flight and screwed us—what to do?

[jdross]

Our original plan:

AA flight @ 7am LGA to MIA
Rent a car in MIA, reservation already made a while ago. Drive to Orlando for 3 days. Drive back to Miami and return car there.

What AA did:

AA flight delayed 3 times then cancelled due to mechanical error.
Put us on standby for 4.5 hours. Everything oversold.
Gate agent felt bad for us with 2 little kids and pregnant woman so they rebooked us on Delta through JFK to MCO.
Bags went to Miami on alt flight.
Rental car costs now 3x because it’s one way.

AA arguing with me because they are claiming I opted to go to MCO instead of MIA meanwhile their gate agent did it as a gesture of good will. They don’t want to help us with anything for the rental increase or not having clothing or anything for little kids for 1-2 days now. Oh yeah the switching airports was also hell on earth.

PLEASE HELP!!!!

[AJK]

You did in fact opt to fly DL to MCO. You did not have to take that option. I don't see the scenario in which AA is obligated to pay for your one way rental.

[Mordyk]

You did in fact opt to fly DL to MCO. You did not have to take that option. I don't see the scenario in which AA is obligated to pay for your one way rental.

+1  if you agreed(even if you felt you dont have another choice) then what do you expect?

[SGF]

If you are able to, return your car in MCOa day before and pick up a one way for one day MCO to MIA

[travel agent]

maybe ask them to change your return also from MCO.

[yellowj]

There is no one way drop off fees in Florida. What has probably happened is that the companies have raised the base rate. Well it is Spring Break/Easter season, so demand is high.

What you can do is rent a car locally for the 2 days and then return it and rent a car for the one way trip down to Miami. Another option is seeing if AA would reaccommodate you out of MCO instead of MIA for your return departure.