Hi everyone--my sister is in a bit of a jam at the moment, and I was looking for some advice.

She is flying HP DEN-PHX-SMF and they left DEN on time, but arrived to PHX 10 minutes late. However, she missed he connecting flight to SMF because they closed the door by the time she arrived to the gate 2 minutes late.

I said "how long was your connecting time??" she said "15 minuntes"

Ok, I thought she was kidding, but wasn't. Now, my question is she obviously booked this online, and thus was at the mercy of the HP booking engine...now why would they book someone with only a 15min connecting time??

Second, she is on standby for the next flight which is oversold by 115 pax. Yes, 115. Apparently the same issue occured yesterday, and as a result many of those pax are still waiting to get back to SMF FROM YESTERDAY!

HP says its not their fault, that they cant do anything about weather (obviously weather en route as they left DEN on time). She has tried getting to SFO or OAK, but apparently those too are full. She is told her best bet would be getting on a 9pm PHX-LAS-SMF flight...a full 12hours later.

Basically HP is washing their hands of the situation saying its weather...but my problem comes to booking via the web a 15min connection....especially when so many people are not cognizant of that connecting time. Does HP really have no responsibility, should my sister not be compensated in any manner (food vouchers) while having to wait more than 12hours for a flight she may/may not get on??

your thoughts? thanks!