You may have timed everything perfectly, arrived early to the airport, and done everything requested of you. Despite your best efforts, it is still possible you may miss your flight. An airport is usually efficient and on time, but delayed flights and mechanical problems do happen.
If you find yourself left on the ground after your flights has taken off, find someone to help you immediately.
"Talk to the people at the airport, let them know you missed your flight and ask for an alternative," says Milena Garita, Reservations Representative with Continental Airlines. "They may put you on the next available flight. If there isn't one until the next day, they will set you up for the first flight the next day."
If you leave the airport before speaking with someone, you may run into more delays.
"It's always a good idea to remain in the airport until you get things in order," says Garita. "Make sure you get your itinerary sheet that clearly shows the flight assigned to you before you leave, especially if your new flight is not until the next day."
Keep in mind you may be charged if you miss the flight and it's clearly your fault. This isn't a clear-cut rule though.
"It all depends, sometimes they will go ahead and give you a new flight," says Garita. "If it is clearly your fault they may ask you to pay a penalty on your new ticket. They are normally happy to help you out and re-accommodate you."
Most often you will be put on the next available flight on the same airline. There are exceptions to this rule though.
"If it's a connecting city, and the reason is the airlines fault, more often then not the airline will accommodate you with the next flight on a different airline. This is done to help you catch your connecting flight," explains Garita. "Most airlines are willing to work with each other and extend professional courtesy."
What happens when weather delays a flight?
"If it's a weather delay, it's up to the airline because they cannot control the weather," says Garita.
There are times when the airline causes you to miss a flight.
"If it's mechanical, they may assist you with finding a hotel room," says Garita. "On rare occasions, they may put you up and give you meal vouchers if you are going to be significantly delayed."
What happens to your luggage if you miss a connecting flight?
"There is the possibility, if you have missed a connecting flight, your luggage will go on with out you," says Garita.
If you have missed boarding a flight, but the plane is not in the air yet, there is a chance you may be able to retrieve your luggage.
"They may be able to get your stuff, but most likely they won't," says Garita. "If your connecting flight is about to leave, go up to the ticket counter and ask for your bags if they are still there."
Most likely, if you have missed the flight, your bags have gone on without you.
"This is why it is recommended that you take a change of clothes and important items in your carry-on," says Garita.
It's never fun when your miss your flight, but rest assured, the airline will do everything they can to assist you in reaching your destination
No, I did not intentionally miss my connecting flight on purpose.
No, I did not miss my flight and lose my checked bag.
We need to be at the airport by 9:45 or we'll miss our flight.
If you miss your flight, your bag will likely continue on the flight without you and be sent to your destination. You may need to arrange for it to be picked up or delivered to you once you arrive.
It depends on the type of ticket that you have. The simple solution is not to miss your flight!
When you miss a flight and are unable to board the plane, your luggage typically continues on the flight without you. It will be stored by the airline until you can retrieve it or have it delivered to you.
If you miss the first leg of a flight and cannot board the connecting flight, you will likely have to purchase a new ticket for a later flight. Airlines typically do not allow passengers to board a connecting flight if they miss the first leg of their journey. It is important to contact the airline as soon as possible to discuss your options and any potential fees or penalties.
That is when 2 aircraft narrowly miss each other in flight.
No, typically if you miss the first leg of your flight, the airline will cancel the rest of your itinerary, including the second leg.
If you miss your flight, your luggage will typically continue on to the destination without you. You will need to contact the airline to arrange for your luggage to be held at the airport or delivered to you.
If you miss your first connecting flight, your options may include rebooking on the next available flight, getting assistance from airline staff, or arranging alternative transportation to your final destination.
If customs causes you to miss your flight, you may need to rebook your flight for a later time or date. It is important to contact your airline as soon as possible to discuss your options and any potential fees or penalties for missing your original flight.