I've never had to take the dreaded walk of shame but on at least two recent flights, I missed making it by just one seat.

The most recent time happened earlier this week trying to get from ATL to NYC. I missed the AA nonstop by just one.. There was one more AA nonstop in 3 hours which wasn't looking too promising. My plan B connecting thru CLT or PHL were red across the board and being late in the day, I wasn't looking forward to possibly spending the night there. My plan C was a DL nonstop. My previous experiences using DL out of ATL was arriving at the gate to see that I was # 100+ with 2 seats available. But this time, the nonrev gods had a change of heart and as I left the AA gate, I discovered I already was issued a seat on the DL flight - 35D aisle on a MD-88. Fortunately, this flight is also leaving out of the T concourse so no need to scramble across the airport. I pick up some Bojangles and wait for boarding. Then a last minute delay and equipment swap puts me in 12D Comfort + on a MD-90! I happily take the middle seat, stretch my legs, enjoy some free snacks as well as a rum and coke.