Travel Tips: What to Do When You've Missed a Connecting Flight
Travel tip #1: Keep calm. If the missed connection is the airline's fault, you may be in luck. The airlines will do what they can to book you on the next flight departing for your destination. What if the next flight is not until the following day? Some airlines will set you up in a local hotel with meal vouchers but they are not mandated to do so. By remaining calm and speaking politely to airline personnel, chances are they will provide you with this extra perk. Let's be honest, the bench seating in the airport doesn't make for a comfortable night's rest.
Travel tip #2: Be flexible. Oftentimes you might have to take a different route to get to your final destination which may including another connecting flight. By being flexible with your travel plans, you'll have more options available.
Travel tip #3: Be patient. If your missed connection is due to inclement weather, patience is a virtue. Don't be in a rush to catch the next flight. Arriving safely at your final location is paramount and nobody likes a bumpy ride. You might be better off taking a flight out the next morning, allowing for the weather to pass. In situations where weather causes the delay, airlines most likely will not provide accommodations. But that shouldn't stop you from asking the agent what they can do for you in this situation. If you're fortunate to be working with an agent that is sympathetic to your situation, patience might payoff with a comped night at a local hotel.
Best advice when booking a connecting flight: allow sufficient time in between flights. Better to hang out at the airport killing time then suffering a missed connection.
Sources:
www.united.com
www.smartertravel.com
Published by C.A. Jacobs
C.A. Jacobs is a freelance writer who enjoys writing, traveling, reading and shopping in her spare time. View profile
- What to Pack in Your Carry-on Luggage for a FlightMany people, especially those who haven't traveled a lot, are unaware that there are some very handy items and tips that can make your trip easier and less stressful. They can help relieve boredom and ensure that your...
- Nate Waggoner--Has He Illustrated Your Richmond Missed Connection?Interview with a VCU cartoonist who sells his comics in the form of 'zines
- The Long Flight to LondonMy worst traveling experience becomes a horrible experience for my mother.
Turks and Caicos IslandsThis article provides details on TCI, including history, hotel and resort reviews, island attractions and activities, how to get there, local weather, food and shopping, tipping...- Vacation Horror StoryThe author goes on a merry comedy of errors while attempting to travel from Atlanta to Paris for a birthday and six week vacation. Mishaps and misadventures while dealing with airlines and passports.
- The Worst Holiday Trip Ever - Boston to Reno in January
- For the Love of Craigslist: Why Missed Connections is the New Meeting Place
- Save Time on Air Travel by Packing Right and Making Your Connecting Flights
- Comparing the Rochester ExperssJet Mess to My Own Travel Misadventure
- I Posted a "Missed Connection" on Craigslist
- How to React When Your Flight Has Been Cancelled
- Cheap Flight Gotchas That Can Ruin Your Vacation
12 Comments
Post a CommentGreat advice for the flyers. I like it. If you miss your connection, keep calm, count it in God's plan, and look for that special opportunity. Be flexible. All things work together for the good of those who love God. Be patient. It's like building a ship in a bottle. Just go easy with a steady hand. Enjoy the flight. See how easy it is when you never fly. Smiles.
Can you believe I've never flown? I'm not afraid to, but I've never had the need.
Great Info. Thanks!
Good tips!
I don't know how "patient" I would be. Great write.
Never had the misfortune of this happening to me, but did have a very long wait for a connecting flight that was very very late!
I have a connecting flight in the morning, hopefully I won't need this information!
I remember waiting to take off on an overbooked layover. The flight attendant announced that one round-trip continental flight ticket would be given to anyone willing to give up their seat. No one budged. A man in the back said, "Throw in Hawaii and you've got a seat!" She smiled and said she couldn't do it. A half hour later, the PA system came on and the attendant said, "Hawaii - you have a deal. Give us your seat!" I would have gladly taken that deal during the delay :) cheers!
Ugh - I've had my share of missed connections, always because of a late arrival. So aggravating. And the airlines aren't always too eager to help, because they know they have you caught between the proverbial rock and hard place (namely... the boarding area benches!!). Good advice to follow if it happens again.
I've almost had this happen twice. I remember running through the airport like a mad woman.