I hope people understand that my title was pretty hyperbolic and written after two cancelled flights and 30 hours of no sleep haha. I know this could happen at any other airline, no diss on a particular one. I’m just salty about so much of my stuff getting destroyed (in the non bike bags, bike was fine). I need to put in a claim, but it’s just one more thing to fight with the airline about 
I’m also a frequent international and domestic traveler, used to spend 50% road time for my last job. I will say, it’s probably covid, but this trip was the worst I’ve ever taken by a huge margin. Outside of the bike. It was just awful from start to finish, no communication at all.
But, good tips here, I think I’ll pay whatever it takes to get a direct flight next time, and get some insurance on my bike!