Recently I arrived at DUS airport very late (14 min before departure). My flight had an outside position, and by the time I arrived at the check-in counter (2 min later), the last bus had already gone and the flight had been closed.

But I REALLY had to catch the flight! So I very politely asked the lady at check in if there was not anything she could do (after she had said no before), and that I would also understand if she could not.

She called the local LH flight manager, who agreed to re-open the flight and call for another bus. Then she escorted me to the gate. She said, they would not have done it if I had not been a HON customer.

Great job, LH!