Many years ago when the "new" Atlanta airport was being constructed....you took a bus out to the planes and got off when they called your city. I was headed home to Chicago via Knoxville, or Nashville, or Louisville....some "ville". I got off the bus and boarded the plane. The flight attendant and I had a "discussion" about the best location for my carryon. I proceeded back to my seat and it was occupied!

The gentleman and I both had boarded passes with that seat number so back I marched to the front of the plane. Now I am getting a bit of a "head of steam" as I indignantly presented my boarding pass and the situation to the flight attendant.

I was on the wrong plane. Now rather sheepish and red faced...I asked for my carryon back...walked OFF the plane, had to get back on the bus the next time it came by and get off again at the correct plane!

I have flown about 1,000,000 on American Airlines alone since then. I am far more savvy and far more accepting. Ah youth!