The only flight I've missed (knocks heavily on wood) was one when I was about 18 (a long time ago..lol). I was in San Diego. Had a carry-on, I carried it on the entire trip and at the time, I was going home. Security person told me my bag was too large so I would have to go back and check it. I had nothing status-wise with Continental so stood in a line over 2 hours. My plane left without me.

I got home (can't remember how except a vague recollection of trying to bribe someone in Denver..) but swore I would never fly CO again (even though it wasn't their fault). NEVER!!!!!!!! Haha.

I am Plat on CO today.