Originally Posted by Oneworldplus2

I was on a VA flight recently and the cabin crew told me that they were late leaving SYD domestic and the fine was huge. Very strict departure times and what not.

This could have also played a part in this saga and something which people aren't aware of. To simply blame to airline for not waiting, it's not always a case of "I'm a so-and-so, you must wait for me", there is usually more to the story.