Originally Posted by
NWIFlyer
Or indeed, given it's a New York flight, LGW which also has a 45 minute check-in deadline (but not conformance).
It does very much sound like the OP arrived at the airport 50 minutes before departure, but didn't make it to a desk until there was less than 45 minutes to go. If that's the case, the airline was right to deny boarding and that is pretty clearly laid out on the website and, iirc, the e-ticket. To miss by what sounds like less than a minute must be hugely frustrating.
I would say that if the OP presented himself to a check-in line more than 45 mins before and can prove thus - then there is a potential case.
I think that 20 min check in lines (which I had to F check-in a few weeks ago) is the airline's fault and not the OP's. But it may be smart to point out to the "line dragon" that you are about to miss CI-deadline...
If one the other hand he stood at the curb side fiddling with bags at T-50 and made it to a check-in line at T-44 then he is for sure out of luck formally.