How is it possible that my flight was delayed for not having a crew?

[Ms. Toad]

49. Well - that sounds pretty sarcastic to me.

It would have been better for her to remain polite, but satisfying your curiosity about why your flight doesn't currently have a crew will risk any chance you (and all of the passengers behind you) might have of getting on the next flight out.

When plane troubles cascade (as it sounds like was going on from others' reports in this thread), all the empty seats on any flight going anywhere near where you want to be for the next day (or three) get snatched up quickly - particularly since flights have been cut back and most are flying full or nearly full. Rather than being able to get you in the next morning, insisting on answers about why the crew isn't there may result in the tomorrow morning seat you (and the next person behind you, and so on) being given to someone else standing in another line. And then she will have to deal with an angrier you, since you will be two days late for work, plus angrier folks behind you who - believe me - are already annoyed with you.

Chill. It isn't her fault. She may not even have complete information. And it really doesn't matter why the crew isn't there. If it isn't, the plane can't fly - you may as well find out what the alternatives are.