Some airlines are even handing out free frequent-flier miles to compensate disgruntled passengers.

A yell from the mouth of the tunnel where a disgruntled passenger, fed up with waiting in a stationary train, had walked along the line to complain.

(Some consumer groups argue that disgruntled passengers simply cannot get through to the department's understaffed hot line, which is 202-366-2220.)

The result was countless disgruntled passengers scattered around the plane.

So what's the best way for a disgruntled passenger to get satisfaction from a travel industry employee?

"I'm just another disgruntled passenger now," he said.

The program is part of a campaign to build ridership and revenue by reducing the number of disgruntled passengers before Congress ends operating subsidies in 2003.

The airline also announced several efforts to placate its disgruntled passengers, including frequent-flier bonuses and elimination of certain service fees.

One could just imagine the unrestrained clamor of disgruntled safety-conscious passengers denied seat belts on a jetliner or in a family minivan.

The main hall was emptying, a stream of disgruntled Samair passengers leaving for the antiquated airport bus.