I was once 5 mins late (55 mins before departure) for my 20:30 EWR-LGW flight. The Check-in agent said I was too late then proceeded to try and get me a seat on VS or KL. Both were full. He suggested the VS 08:30 flight the next day. I really had to travel that day. He then said this might be my lucky day in that he knew the gate agent. He rang her and she agreed to let me on.

The plane looked completely full, so probably they upgraded someone. My punishment was that I sat in an aisle seat with a non-functioning IFE and light!