airline frustration

My wife is trying to fly to China. She flew out yesterday but the flight was 2 hours late, so she missed the connection to China. Neither US Air nor Air China were willing to help her. A United agent tried to help, but even she got frustrated with Air China. Air China cancelled their Friday flight, so my wife is spending two nights in NYC at $200 a night. We're just SOL as far as the cost goes per the airlines. Don't think I'll fly either of these airlines again. I had a run-in with Sears in 1981 and never shopped with them again. Poor customer service is one of my pet peeves that is unforgiveable.