I've been in a few shitty elevator situations before, but nothing that bad.
Glad you guys got out ok.
As far as the airline trouble, it's out of control across the board. I can't think of one airline above the rest I'm happy with. Been sticking with American because I have the most miles with them, but they'll all screw you to make a few extra bucks. One time I found out as I got to the gate to board a flight, even though I had checked in at the airport and was at the gate with time to spare - the flight was still boarding- they had sold my seats to someone else. I had first class seats, they sold the seats at the gate as an upgrade to someone else.
Fuckers