Delays, Deportations, and Dumb Luck

Delays - So my flight to Nairobi was supposed to leave at 10:30am, but we didn't get out until noon. Only once I got on the plane did I know why . . .
Deportations - I get on my flight, and there is someone screaming in the back row. At first I think it is some kid that is upset. Then I listen, and the person is screaming 'Please somebody help me. Somebody help my children.' There is a Kenyan woman in the back row with all sorts of deportation officers around her. It is awful to listen to, someone back there insists on getting off the flight (more delays). She finally calmed down about 2 hours into the flight.
Dumb Luck - So I get to the airport with the same bags that I had when I left PHX, and when I go to walk thru security, they tell me that the bag BA let me bring from PHX was not acceptable for this flight. You can imagine my frustration. I tried to argue and reason, but in the end I had to buy a new smaller bag, transfer my carry on items to it, and then go back and check an additional bag. Luckily the woman at the BA counter felt my pain and didn't charge me.