funniest day was when I could have driven to BUF or PIT to catch a Vegas flight. Buf was direct with a stop in MDW. PIT required a 50min connection in the winter. I risked it and saved $40 a person by booking PIT.

Upon landing in MDW, a gate change was announced for the Vegas flight. We took their crew and a different aircraft. Doors closed a few seconds before the buf flight pulled in to the gate right next to ours. 50 people missed their "direct" buf-las (1). Presumably due to crew time out risk , as both inbounds were the same 1hr delay.