1993: Kinshasa - Brussels - Heathrow.
There was a refueling problem in Kinshasa and our KLM 747 had to short-hop to Brazzaville to top up, resulting in a delay and the schedule fell further behind. It looked as if I was going to miss my Brussels connection to London, resulting in a miserable night on the terminal benches. We made up a bit of time in the air but still landed past the boarding deadline. When I went to the transfer desk to arrange another flight, a rep hurried me to my waiting connection! My bag had been prioritised and transferred too! I'm sorry to admit that I've forgotten which British airline it was but I'm eternally grateful to them.
Some of the delayed pax didn't look too happy though.