What to Do If You Miss Your Flight
There is no more panic-stricken moment than getting stuck in a slow security queue knowing that you have minutes (or even seconds) before your flight departs. If you flare up at the thought that you’ve missed your flight, we hope to console you: a number of airlines have rules to ensure you don’t get stuck. How easily you can be rebooked for a later flight and how often you have to pay depends on how late you arrive at the airport and whether you have made an effort to inform the airline that you are late.
Talk to an airline agent as soon as possible
If you are running late, you should first contact the airline and inform them that you may be late for your flight. They may be able to rebook you before you even get to the airport. If you’re already at the airport or at the gate, it’s time to speak with an airline agent.
Traditionally, in the airline world, there is a rule for passengers who miss their flight, known as the “flat tire” rule; If you are running late for your flight due to something like a flat tire, you can rebook your next available flight at no additional charge if you arrive within two hours (or earlier) of the original flight departure. time.
You won’t find a flat tire rule written in an airline contract (after all, airlines probably don’t want to advertise the possibility of making changes free of charge on the same day), so there is no guarantee it will work. As Points Guy writes, you will often depend on an airline service agent. Some agents can be more accommodating than others, so it is important to be polite and have a good reason, such as when you are faced with heavy traffic.
Here is how several major US airlines are currently practicing their version of the tire inflation rule:
- American Airlines has a ‘wait on late arrival’ policy. Under this rule, the airline will assign you the next available flight as a reserve passenger if you arrive within two hours of the departure of your original flight.
- Delta will rebook passengers “on an individual basis ”.
- United does not have a set policy, but often you will rebook your next available flight if you arrive within 30 minutes of your original flight.
- Southwest will rebook you if you reach them within 10 minutes of the original departure time by phone or in person.
According to Point Me to The Plane, there are several exceptions to this rule. If you are flying the last available flight of the day, you obviously cannot be rebooked for another flight that day (they can probably rebook you the next day, but will not reimburse you for any hotel or meals you need.). If you are flying overseas, these rules may not apply either.
If you are flying with a bag you plan to check, remember that all airlines also have a baggage time limit, so keep that in mind if you are running late.
Book your shift on the same day
If you miss your flight and need a guaranteed seat on another flight rather than a reserve seat, you can also book your connection on the same day. Depending on the airline, there are several rules in this policy, for example, you must request a change before your original flight departs and it must be a flight that departs on the same calendar day. Alaska Airlines offers this option for $ 50, while American and United offer a same-day transfer for $ 75.
You can book a connection on the same day up to 24 hours before the original departure time of your flight. While there is no set time as to how at the last minute you can book a shift on the same day, airlines like American will allow you to book even if you have already checked in for your original flight and checked in your baggage (although they will need notification of your request at least an hour to carry the bag on your new flight).
If you have Elite status, you can also use it for a free same day shift.
You can usually be rebooked for free if it’s a missed connection.
If, due to the delay of the first flight, you missed your connection, as a rule, most airlines rebook tickets for the next flight free of charge; you can fly as a backup subject to availability. Some airlines may automatically rebook you, but you should call them as soon as you land to find out how to board another flight.
However, if you are late connecting due to spending too much time waiting in line at Starbucks, it is considered your own fault and you cannot be rebooked for free (although there is no explicit rule for how long is considered sufficient. to establish a connection).
Plus, if you’re flying between two different airlines – let’s say you were on JetBlue and missed a United flight – you won’t automatically be overbooked. For this reason, you should contact the second airline as soon as possible; in this case, you should apply the flat tire rule and try to board another flight.
Pay for a new seat
If you’re really late – let’s say you slept six hours – you probably won’t have options when it comes to booking a new flight free of charge. You will have to talk to the airline and ask for a free rebooking, but chances are you will have to pay for a new seat.
This is why booking travel insurance can come in handy. If you are flying overseas or are constantly late for flights, meetings or other events, it may be worth adding insurance when purchasing your air tickets so that you are protected in case you miss your flight.