Well I too have had a very similar story 6 years ago, i was in PSAB my dad took not very well ,the Saudias at the time would not let me leave on a civvy flight , so the Americans took me on a herc dropped me off in Oman, for the brits to pick me up and get me sent home direct to London with the crew ushering me to the front of the aircraft with a guy waiting who took me to my transfer flight (no checks customs bag change etc ) then direct flight up north. I too never made it back in time but again appreciated all the effort to get me home,I thanked all a few weeks later and to this day feel very humble that a system that works extremely well and for people to go out there way to help when in need is second to none.