Did you ever miss a connecting flight?

[stormkeeper_lovedoris]

There's something I'm worried about. On Saturday, Doris and I are heading for our big vacation to Punta Cana, and we have to change planes. (I couldn't find an airport in the Midwest that flies directly there). I try to avoid plane changes at all costs. I'm so worried we'll miss our connecting flight due to the first plane being late. So many planes are late. Our time between flights is one hour and twenty-two minutes.

Did any of you ever miss a connection? What do you do? Do you go to the gate and ask them to book you on another flight? What happens to your luggage? What happens if every flight to your destination is booked that day? (Go stand-by, I guess?)

I realize I'm being a worry-wart. I realize I just need to relax, to understand that I cannot control these things, and to be open-minded and just let things happen.

But my brain doesn't work that way.

Comments

[lvs2read.livejournal.com]

Ok, first thing? An hour and 20 minutes should be sufficient time, even if you have a slight delay on the first leg of the flight, to make your connection.

However, worst case happens and you don't get to the airport in time for the connecting flight, yes, go to the counter. They'll help you adjust your travel plans. That's what they're there for, and they're used to it. If all flights are already booked, you can go standby, or they may offer to put you up in a hotel for the night.

Luggage? If it's checked in at the originating point to go all the way through (i.e. you're not picking it up at the transfer point because you're changing airlines or some such), it'll probably be put on the next available flight to your end destination, and will be waiting for you on arrival. So pack a change of clothes and all essential items (medicines and such) in your carry-on bag. Also, remember to only pack sample size toiletries in your carry-on, and have them in a ziploc bag. Check with your airline to see what other security restrictions they may have in place as well.

Now, relax and stop worrying. *g* Thousands of people reach their destination on time every day. You will, too.

[lvs2read.livejournal.com]

Should have added...Full size toiletries can be packed in your checked luggage.

Good luck and have fun!

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I do feel much better!

[denisia.livejournal.com]

Don't worry, it will be FINE! :) An hour and a half is plenty of time, and they can generally give you boarding passes for both legs at the initial check-in, so you can go straight to your next gate when the first plane lands.

Having said that...if you do end up being delayed and missing your connection, it will be the airline's responsibility to get you to your final destination. They'll get you on another flight--on another airline, if necessary. I've never missed, but my friend Ro has had this happen (at Midway once, actually) several times.

Also, if they can, sometimes they *will* hold the second flight, if they're waiting for a lot of people. That's happened to me. In that case, there will be a rep from the airline at the gangway to hustle you right to the next gate so you don't miss your flight.

You'll be fine...it will be a groovy trip!

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

I do feel a lot better - thank you!

[lady-lyca.livejournal.com]

lvs2read is entirely correct! I have missed a few flights, and have been bumped a looooot (my family loves to get free stuff like vouchers :P) before.

Even if the airline doesn't want to pony up the dough for your hotel, most places have lower rates for people who miss their flights.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

You're right - it'll all work out! Thanks. :)

[trixtah.livejournal.com]

If the flights were all booked via the same airline, or as part of the same itinerary, there's no problem. Normally they'll hold a plane a bit longer if they expect connecting passengers, and if you're REALLY delayed, you'll be checked onto the next flight. Your luggage will be offloaded with you as well.

I strongly suggest travel insurance anyway, if you haven't already got it. If you get severely delayed and/or your luggage goes walkabout for a while, you will have your accomodation paid for (although the airline will pay, normally) and you can claim for reimbursement of extra expenses (such as buying clean underwear/toiletries while you're waiting to be reunited with your luggage). You can get some very reasonable deals online - a few dollars a day for peace of mind is worth it, I think.

If you've booked your flight with credit cards, they often give you some form of travel insurance. I'd check that out too.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

The flights are all booked on the same airline, and we do have travel insurance. All should be well. Thanks for your reply!

[razycrandomgirl.livejournal.com]

travel insurance is great! never had a problem with it but I love the whole "just in case" thing.

[mcookies.livejournal.com]

I have never missed a connecting flight but I just thought I would note an odd coincidence. We got a new computer in the TA lounge and the AV guy setting it up needed to give it a password. The calendar on our wall, which has not been changed since 2004, has a picture of Punta Cana Coast, so our password is PuntaCanaCoast then a number that changes every once in a while.

Have a good time on your trip. I bet you will make all your flights just fine.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I hope the calendar picture is a nice one too.

[selve.livejournal.com]

Also...think positive. You'll be on time. No, scratch that--you'll be early. You two will have a glorious time without one hitch. It will be "Like a Dream." And I want to see pix, you lucky thing you.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon. :) I promise to post pics.

[sesana]

Yeah, I've missed connecting flights. The chances of you experiencing something like that this time of year are slim to none, so relax!

Your airline will take care of everything for you if anything should happen. Yes, it would be very stressful, but your airline will make sure that you get where you need to be, however they need to do it. So relax! And make sure you bring a book or something to the airport.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Thanks! And oh yes, you don't need to worry about me not bringing a book to the airport. :) Since I can't sleep on airplanes and I love to read, I always have books to read. In fact, I actually plan out months in advance which books I'll bring. So I have 2 books and 2 magazines for the trip to Punta Cana, and I even have back-ups in case I finish those books and magazines during the trip.

[sesana]

Very smart! I personally knit and play my Nintendo DS when I'm flying, since I find both relaxing. But I also carry a backup book, in case my DS batteries fail and I decide what I'm knitting was better off on the sheep.