As a travel reporter and frequent traveler, I know all the things I should do to avoid missing a flight. That didn’t stop me from severely underestimating how long it would take to get to the airport and through security for a flight to Florida last year, causing my family to miss our flight and lose a full day of our vacation.
Whether the airline cancels your flight or you make the same mistake I did, even the most seasoned travelers occasionally have to deal with missed flights.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you must first speak with a representative from the airline. They can help you get rebooked on another flight, which you may be able to do without penalty thanks to the “flat tire” rule. TPG’s guide has rebooking policies and procedures for most major U.S. airlines.
When missing your flight was out of your control, you may be eligible for reimbursement for any costs you incur because of the cancellation, including meals or an overnight hotel stay. This is why we recommend booking flights with a credit card that has trip-interruption benefits.
Sometimes, a missed flight can’t be avoided, but you can lessen the headache with these tips. Here are a few more stories that can help if you (knock on wood) miss a flight:
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