Missed your flight? You can do that

Speeding to your gate only to find out you missed your flight is a situation we all try to avoid. While you may be prepared with enough time and patience, airports can ruin our plans in seconds. If you miss your flight, there are a few things you can do depending on your situation.

Airports are lawless places, but it works when you approach it with the right attitude. Thousands of people miss their flights every day. When you are in this position, having the right attitude can set you apart from the rest of the pack.

Here’s what to do if you miss your flight:

Know the basics basic

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No matter how nice you are, airlines generally don’t care why you don’t show up at the gate. Whether you overslept or were held up at TSA, it’s up to you to get to the gate on time. Nevertheless, there is a “tire flat rule” that gives airline agents a certain amount of leeway in dealing with these situations.

It depends on the airline, for example, as reported by The Cheat Sheet, Delta’s flat tire rule explains that every situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. “Often times we can get them on the next available flight,” said a Delta representative. American Airline’s late arrival policy covers delays “as long as you arrive within two hours of the missed flight”.

Analyze your situation

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Be clear about your current situation. If you missed a domestic flight it is generally easier than if you missed an international flight. For international flights, it is important to be aware of the current COVID-19 measures and to have all of these documents ready so that you can avoid delays in this department. It is very important to prepare in advance, especially now that people are back on the road and the rules are changing daily.

Call your airline immediately

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The first thing to do if you miss a flight is to call your airline as soon as possible. If you fail to show up at the gate, you fall into the no-show category, which means the airline may cancel your itinerary, leaving you with fewer options to manage your trip. If the waiting list is too long for the phone, check the website for options.

Although it is very difficult to take into account all the scenarios, it is good to be as prepared as possible before going on board. To minimize the chance of a lost flight, try to plan your trip with enough time so that you can book a direct flight at a reasonable price. When the flying day comes, no matter how awful the airport is, you should have plenty of time.