How an Airline's Flat-Tire Policy Can Save the Day if You Miss a Flight
Take a second and picture the following scenario: You've just left the house to catch a flight to Dallas. You're on schedule and should arrive at the airport on time, if not early. You might even have time to visit the lounge and grab a drink before the flight. As you're driving along, you hit a pothole. This isn't just any pothole, this pothole is almost to the point of a sinkhole. You hear a thudding noise. Your car starts to chug. You pull to the side of the road and discover that you have a flat tire. Not only do you have a flat tire, but now you will miss your flight. You swap out the flat tire for a spare and arrive at the airport as your aircraft pushes back from the gate. There's nothing you can do now — right?
Wrong. If you find yourself in a situation like this it can pay to inquire with the airline to find out whether or not it has a flat-tire policy in place.
Airline Flat-Tire Policies
Each airline has its own version of a flat-tire policy (although some do not have such a policy in place). The term flat-tire policy is pretty self-explanatory: As you might have guessed, this (unwritten) policy pertains to passengers who just miss their flight. Essentially, airlines understand that, on occasion, events occur that are out of our control. An airline's flat-tire policy allows travelers to receive accommodations on other flights as a result of those unavoidable mishaps.
Though an airline might not directly confirm it has an official flat-tire policy, a few airlines do have them. And, airlines will be most accommodating if you're within the policy's guidelines. Airlines that don't have a set flat-tire policy will be less likely to accommodate, as they have no obligation to do so. However, if you've just missed your flight by a few minutes, it's best to ask an agent if there's anything they can do. Chances are, most major airlines will work to accommodate you on a future flight.
The Points Guy reached out to the major US airlines regarding each airline's flat-tire policy. Three airlines — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — have shared their flat-tire policies with us. TPG also reached out Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and Spirit, however, we have yet to receive a response.
American Airlines' Flat-Tire Policy
American Airlines has a set policy in place, which means passengers should have a relatively painless experience should they miss their flight in good faith. American Airlines' flat-tire policy allows for passengers that miss their flight for one of the reasons listed below to stand by for the next available flight. Here are the events or situations in which American Airlines will allow you to stand by free of charge after missing your original flight:
- The passenger arrives after the cut-off for check in but within 2 hours of the posted departure time
- The passenger holds a mobile boarding pass but shows up at the wrong airport (Ex: a passenger shows up at New York-LaGuardia but their flight is departing from New York-JFK)
- The passenger does not hold the proper documents to travel
- The passenger has not yet applied or received an ESTA for US travel
If you find yourself in one or more of these situations, American Airlines will place you on the stand-by list for the next available flight. Keep in mind, airlines will always prioritize stand-by passengers based on elite status.
United Airlines' Flat-Tire Policy
Unlike American, United Airlines, does not have a set flat-tire policy in place, which makes requesting a flexible accommodation a little tougher for passengers. If a passenger misses their flight and contacts United or arrives at a United Airlines ticketing counter within 30 minutes of the posted departure time, United will "generally speaking" book that passenger on the next available United or United Express flight. So, while not guaranteed, it's worth a shot if you miss your flight and are within the 30-minute window.
Delta Air Lines' Flat-Tire Policy
Delta Air Lines does not have flat-tire policy in place for the most part. Instead, a spokesperson noted that the airline will take each incident of a missed flight on a case-by-case basis. The spokesperson went on to say that Delta Air Lines will do its best to work with each passenger in the event of a missed flight.
The Delta spokesperson we spoke with said the reason the airline doesn't have such a policy in place is because it doesn't want passengers taking advantage of free same-day standby or changes — which is understandable. Rather than have a policy that might encourage tardiness, Delta prefers to handle each case as they come.
That being said, if it does not appear you're going to be making your flight, we recommend that you call Delta prior to arriving at the airport to see if changes can be made over the phone. If you are unable to reach a Delta rep on the phone, head to the nearest Delta ticketing counter upon arriving at the airport.
Bottom Line
Flat-tire policies are designed to accommodate passengers in the event of unavoidable mishaps. However, it's important to note that flat-tire policies should not be abused. While airlines will work with passengers who miss their flight within a certain period of time, routinely missing a flight to receive free same-day standby or changes is a clear violation of the policy.
For more about flat-tire policies, check our guide on what to do if you miss your flight.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.