<human>: My return flight home was scheduled to leave this morning at 6am. Arrived at the airport at 4am to check in. After a few announcements saying the plane had a mechanical issue but by 1pm we should be good to go. I came back to the gate at noon, had to track down a UNITED agent. They said it was now scheduled for 6:45pm.

At about 1pm I received an email saying my ticket had changed. I was now on the same flight tomorrow at 6am. A delay of 24 hours. 

Wasn't sure what to do. Could not find a UNITED agent anywhere in the concourse. Called 1-800-UNITED after being on hold for about an hour talked to someone who wasn't too helpful. They confirmed my flight change. I asked about a hotel and he said they would not pay. I asked to speak with someone higher up and he said I could but they would say the same thing.

So after about 12 hours in the airport I left and stayed in a nearby hotel on my own dime. Hopefully making it home tomorrow.

Anyone run into a similar situation? I'm not sure what I would have done if I didn't have my laptop with me and wasn't able to check my email.

Can you summarize the given text in a few sentences?
<bot>: Return flight home delayed 24 hrs due to mechanical issues. UNITED will not pay for my hotel. Should they? Tips/Advice?