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

[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.