So, I'm flying home to YVR from YHZ via YUL on Friday evening. Time for connect is supposed to be 42 minutes but we're delayed about 15 minutes leaving and pilot states strong headwinds heading into YUL so time is down to a supposed 20 minutes for connecting. OK, I can make it, maybe the checked bag won't but that's OK - I'm heading home. We touch down, actually a couple of minutes better than I'd thought we would, and promptly taxi towards the gate but stop short. Pilot comes on and explains there has been a slight "confusion" about our gate - we are at the wrong gate on the wrong side of the terminal (8 instead of 9, I believe). We're where all the Jazz DH aircraft are (we're on a E190). Pilot comes on to further explain that he isn't sure whether he can turn around the plane on its own power or will need a tow, in any case it will be 10 - 15 minutes. Lovely, down to about 5 - 10 minutes at best to connect.

Pilot comes on a few minutes later stating that we will need a tow and understands there are several passengers with tight connections to Vancouver and Winnipeg and that he's been advised the flights will be held. So, we finally get towed to the gate and disembarking starts at exactly the scheduled departure time for my flight to YVR. Good, perhaps I can still get home tonight, I think. I check the display for my departure gate and my flight is not listed. Check at the counter --- it is gone. Talk to some others destined for Winnipeg, same deal, flight gone, and no, the gate agents weren't aware of any request to hold the flight. So, 10 passengers for Winnipeg and 6 for Vancouver now need to make arrangements for a night at a local hotel and new flights for tomorrow. It took an hour for my bag to show at the carousel and ultimately 2.5 hours by the time I got to the hotel (a rather sad Holiday Inn - Airport).

Oh well, not exactly a disaster, and I know its always a risk taking the last connection of the day, but I wonder who muffed the gate assignment? And, will I get any bonus AE points for this?