4 ms·

This is really interesting. As a non-U.S. based and infrequent traveller, I had always just assumed that you lost the value of the ticket if you missed the trip

by Naga 5y ago

This is really interesting. As a non-U.S. based and infrequent traveller, I had always just assumed that you lost the value of the ticket if you missed the trip. I never really understood sitcoms where no one seems to care if they missed their flights or not, but this would make a lot of sense.

dboreham 5y ago
Sitcoms aren't set in reality in general though. People who are unemployed actors live in $1M apartments in Manhattan, for example.
madcaptenor 5y ago
I've missed maybe five or so domestic flights on "legacy" US airlines (American/Delta/United). If I recall correctly, on all but one of those I was rebooked. On the remaining one I was not rebooked; the airline tried to accommodate me but they couldn't get me where I was going in time for the thing I was going to. That being said, I do care if I miss my flight, because it's obviously a pain even if you do get rebooked!
- SOLAR_FIELDS 5y ago
  Most US based airlines will charge you a rebooking fee however, so it’s not completely hassle free. It’s often around $80-100 USD. Southwest Airlines is the only major carrier I know that does not charge this fee.
  - madcaptenor 5y ago
    Surprisingly, I've never been charged this fee (and I'd remember). I don't know why. In particular I don't have any sort of status with the airlines.
- philjohn 5y ago
  This is why, as a UK based traveller, I aim to get to the airport for international flights so that I can check in when checkin opens 3 hours before the flight. At least I'm usually sat in a comfortable lounge for the extra time, and can get a few things done, or just relax and read.
refurb 5y ago
Having flow a lot after living in different countries, the US major airlines used to be pretty flexible compared to others. I can recall landing at a connecting airport, strolling up to a gate for an earlier flight and asking if I could switch and after checking it was usually “sure”. Missed flights rebooked, etc. I recall connecting in Vancouver with Air Canada and asking the same and the answer was “thatll be $130 to change your ticket”. This is with a half empty flight leaving in 30 min. I know United started charging some fee for last minute flight changes, but it’s way better than other airlines.
- Scoundreller 5y ago
  > I can recall landing at a connecting airport, strolling up to a gate for an earlier flight and asking if I could switch and after checking it was usually “sure”. They kinda like it when you do this: it gives them more flexibility. Better to keep the later flights in the day emptier just in case there’s a sudden need. And reduces their chances of owing you compensation.

by Naga 5y ago

dboreham 5y ago

Sitcoms aren't set in reality in general though. People who are unemployed actors live in $1M apartments in Manhattan, for example.

madcaptenor 5y ago

I've missed maybe five or so domestic flights on "legacy" US airlines (American/Delta/United). If I recall correctly, on all but one of those I was rebooked. On the remaining one I was not rebooked; the airline tried to accommodate me but they couldn't get me where I was going in time for the thing I was going to. That being said, I do care if I miss my flight, because it's obviously a pain even if you do get rebooked!

SOLAR_FIELDS 5y ago
Most US based airlines will charge you a rebooking fee however, so it’s not completely hassle free. It’s often around $80-100 USD. Southwest Airlines is the only major carrier I know that does not charge this fee.
- madcaptenor 5y ago
  Surprisingly, I've never been charged this fee (and I'd remember). I don't know why. In particular I don't have any sort of status with the airlines.
philjohn 5y ago
This is why, as a UK based traveller, I aim to get to the airport for international flights so that I can check in when checkin opens 3 hours before the flight. At least I'm usually sat in a comfortable lounge for the extra time, and can get a few things done, or just relax and read.

refurb 5y ago

Having flow a lot after living in different countries, the US major airlines used to be pretty flexible compared to others. I can recall landing at a connecting airport, strolling up to a gate for an earlier flight and asking if I could switch and after checking it was usually “sure”. Missed flights rebooked, etc. I recall connecting in Vancouver with Air Canada and asking the same and the answer was “thatll be $130 to change your ticket”. This is with a half empty flight leaving in 30 min. I know United started charging some fee for last minute flight changes, but it’s way better than other airlines.

Scoundreller 5y ago
> I can recall landing at a connecting airport, strolling up to a gate for an earlier flight and asking if I could switch and after checking it was usually “sure”. They kinda like it when you do this: it gives them more flexibility. Better to keep the later flights in the day emptier just in case there’s a sudden need. And reduces their chances of owing you compensation.