In 1994 my SABENA flight from Kinshasa was late getting away due to a refuelling issue and en-route the captain announced a further delay because the French ATC were taking industrial action. When we eventually landed at Brussels it was pretty clear that I wasn't going to make my late evening onward connection to Heathrow. I glumly made my way to the desk (I think it was one of the British Midland brands) to arrange a flight for the following day only to be told that the aircraft was waiting for me. The staff whizzed me through departures at light speed and I took my seat under the accusing eyes of about 100 delayed passengers. It had been a bl**dy awful day and I was deeply grateful for BM's kindliness. It was their last flight of the day so obviously scheduled services wouldn't have been disrupted but even so, it was very good of them to hold.
I made a point of always flying with them when possible after that.