Originally Posted by
GoingAway
I do agree with MatthewLAX though that if you ask nicely of the GA (and its not the last moments before the door is closing), you'd get on if there is room.
I've found a sympathetic GA to be invauable in this situation. That is, unless you've checked baggage on the original flight. If checking bags, the place to sort this out is at the ticketing/check-in counter.