Based on the story alone I'd have to side with the OP on this one, as they did arrive on time and the airline rep could have walked him over to an agent once his passport didn't scan, or at least let someone know that the OP made it on time. That said 1 1/2 hours is pushing it for a departing flight, especially when you start boarding 1/2 hour before the departure time. It would have been a nice show of good faith had TK rebooked them without penalty.