Delta and United are more relaxed in their approach according to the Points Guy—generally, it’s going to be case-by-case for each of these airlines. Which is why it behooves the passenger to come to the gate agent politely and amenably so that all parties can work together for the best possible outcome. Going’s Willis Orlando explains, “[Flat tire rules] give the gate agents that go-ahead to book you onto the next flight quickly, without charges.”
But the later passengers arrive at the airport after their scheduled departure, especially without attempting to reach the airline or rebook themselves, the higher the chances are they’ll have to shell out for another flight. You may avoid a change fee, which airlines have largely eliminated for classes except basic economy, but you could easily be paying for a pricey walk-up or day-of ticket.
Missed flights abroad
Air passengers traveling in Europe have the benefit of EC 261, one of the world’s most comprehensive passenger-rights regulations. Anyone traveling out of a European airport is covered, and EC 261 enables passengers to receive compensation between 250 and 600 euros (approximately $300-700) for many types of flight disruptions.
The situation becomes more complex if your missed flight isn’t the airline’s fault, underscoring the importance of arriving early at the airport. (Pro tip: Remember that European airlines mark time with the 24-hour clock, so for a US-based traveler, a departure time of 17:15 is easily—and incorrectly—misread as 7:15 instead of the correct equivalent of 5:15 p.m.)
You’ve missed your flight: what next?
Regardless of whether you, the airline, or weather is to blame, one of the most important things you can do when it looks like you’ll miss your flight is to contact the airline as soon as possible. If you fail to show up for your scheduled flight, you’ll fall into the “no show” category, meaning that the airline can cancel the rest of your itinerary, leaving you with minimal options for refunds or rebooking.
In the case of a long wait time to speak to an agent on the phone or at a help desk, try online: Many airlines’ apps allow passengers to easily rebook themselves. Whatever your strategy, be proactive. Ott notes, “If an agent is indeed willing to be helpful, you can better your chances by proactively noting that you’d be willing to re-route, add a connection or do anything to make it to your destination. There are many situations where you may have just opened a seat for someone in need on the flight you missed, so you can become similarly lucky. I’ve missed a few flights and been added to waitlists for subsequent flights and in those situations, having airline elite status has helped to get me cleared onto a flight. Again, no need to mention it, the airline systems will know and sort that all out.”
How to avoid missing your flight
Starting with the planning stages of a trip, passengers can take several precautions to avoid missing a flight. Choose direct flights whenever possible, and watch out for budget deals that offer basic economy and multiple-carrier itineraries, both of which offer little protection for passengers. Low-cost carriers also tend to be quite strict with missed flights that are the fault of the passenger.
It bears repeating that best way to avoid missing your flight is to arrive at the airport well in advance, with plenty of extra time for scenarios like a no-show Uber or an insanely long TSA line. “Better to show up three hours before than a minute too late, and you’re not going anywhere, and it will be at your own expense to get on your next trip,” Couch-Friedman says. Adds Ott, “I’m also a huge advocate, even if you’re only a semi-infrequent traveler, of signing up for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, both of which can help curb worst case estimates for clearing immigration or security. Most people will receive these for free through at least one travel rewards-earning credit card, so it’s silly not to take advantage and not nearly as much hassle as people think.”
