What happens if I go to small claims against a giant airline?

[Michael Davis]

Guys,

I have a legitimate grievance against an airline for $544. I have tried to resolve the matter through phone, then e-mail, then certified mail, then the Better Business Bureau. If I file in small claims court against them- I know that I need to do this across the country in their home county and so forth- what should I expect? Will they actually bother to send a slick lawyer to crush me or will they noshow and allow me to win by default?

-Michael