I had the same experience during a snowstorm in Seattle. My flight was cancelled, worse weather was moving in, and I just wanted to get to California for a fam

I had the same experience during a snowstorm in Seattle. My flight was cancelled, worse weather was moving in, and I just wanted to get to California for a family holiday. I got a ticket to San Jose---from Portland. Because I was willing to change my airport and take some extra hassle myself, the agent was willing and able to help out. Ask for something nicely, be flexible on how it happens, and people can do good things for you. (Meanwhile, the lady who was screaming to get the exact flight she'd bought in the first place was turned down, because there wasn't a flight like the one she bought available and she wouldn't flex at all.)