Several moons ago I landed in ATL from AMS. Flight was 2.5 hrs.late. I had exactly 31min. to make my domestic connection. Immigration, no line. Carry-on only. Train was waiting, doors closed as I got on. I present myself at the gate 12 minutes prior to departure. BEEP. The astonished agent looked at my BP, checked my itinerary and literally said, "How the hell did you get here? You were supposed to mis-connect. We've given away your seat." (Paid First, by the way.) "Sorry", I said "I'm here in time, I want my seat." After a little hemming and hawing, the Red Coat went on board and escorted a very pissed-off man off the plane. Upon arrival we pulled into the gate five minutes early. Sometimes the gods are with us.