It sounds like part of your problem was with the person at the hotel guiding you incorrectly - not the airlines. That's the lesson I got out of your story anyway. I always stop by the airlines or call to reconfirm my flight and usually try to call my international carrier too.

When Laurie and I were delayed getting to Belize in May, I called Tropic on their 800 number from Dallas to change our flight to Placencia and they actually gave me 2 new confirmation numbers to reflect the reservation change for each of us.

I also don't pay for the flights in advance as a rule.