Indeed. My thoughts exactly. And - as an idle addendum - just how much energy, thought, time, and emotions did you also expend in order to achieve this outcome ?
Didn't read the entire thread so I don't know if it was already mentioned.
I myself ALWAYS leave much extra time for my travels going to an interview or any important appointment. I'm usually too early and sometimes have a good meal somewhere close by that's walking distance away from the appointment. If driving, I'll just wait in my car. I've always done the same during my first couple of weeks at a new employment.
If I were someone who hires, I would expect the same from potential employees. If usual travel time is 30min, you should leave an hour or an hour and a half earlier to be on the safe side.
I've gotten a (recent) job before where I was an hour late. Something came up, I called to let them know, they sort of understood and I still got the job on the spot. So no, emergencies happen.
A decade ago, I was heading to a job interview for a management position. Not knowing the area, I left myself over an hour to spare. On the way there my car was rear ended. Since it was just over a mile, I walked the remaining distance to get to the building in my suit.
The interview went well and I got the job. It turns out that the director who hired me had been held up by the traffic jam resulting from my accident. He passed by as they were loading my car and had seen me walking down the shoulder of the road.
He told me that if I was that dedicated to get to the interview, then I was his man.
Yes, promptness is a virtue in the workplace. The only exception I would consider is if the applicant called at the last minute, said he/she was going to be late and so as not to waste my time, wished to reschedule. I would reschedule with a no-excuse comment.