Once at BHX I arrived late due to circumstances, the flight had already pushed back. With some quick thinking the onboard steps were lowered and I was lead out to board. About 1991 I think. I boarded to a round of sarcastic applause from the passengers, trying to hide and be unobtrusive for the rest of the flight. The lovely stewardess brought me a mini bottle of fizz and said she hoped that the rest of the day went better.
It was the BAC 1-11 to Milan but I can't remember in which version it was as it quickly changed from Birmingham European to Jersey European to BA.
A very big thank you to the crew, although it cost me as that was the weekend the girlfriend and I decided on a future together.
Edit: Yes I did have a checked bag on board which was incredible considering I only arrived at check-in 10 minutes before departure time..