In message , at 13:25:23 on Wed, 20 Jul
2011, Mizter T remarked:
Observations about large numbers of people missing planes
would suggest not.

Whose observations are those? Whilst the OP, CJB, likes to present his
posts in a 'reportage' style, his comments on the matter of missed
flights are little more that his own conjecture.

On this occasion he seems to have been travelling on the line, says
there weren't any alternatives on offer at Paddington, and maybe saw
lots of fliers sat around waiting.
--
Roland Perry