Running Late To The Airport? This Little-Known Accommodation Just Might Save You

We all know that sinking feeling when we've done everything right, but it's all about to go to hell in a hand basket. We're talking about realizing that no matter what we do, how carefully we have planned, or how much extra time we have built into our schedule, we are absolutely, positively going to miss our flight. Life happens and sometimes even the best-laid plans go sideways due to circumstances that are completely out of our control. A multi-car pile-up on the highway, a blown radiator, or even just a flat tire can slow us down just enough to make getting to the departure gate on time absolutely impossible — at least without a time machine at the ready. The good news is U.S. airlines are by and large understanding when it comes to missing a flight due to unforeseen circumstances, but there are a few caveats.

Widely known as the flat tire rule, the accommodation is a hit-or-miss situation. American Airlines (a carrier that's making it a whole lot easier to travel this summer) is the only U.S. carrier with an official policy, but Delta Air Lines and United Airlines make allowances on a case-by-case basis. With that in mind, it's never a bad idea to at least try to explain the circumstances of your late arrival. It's not a done deal, but there's a reasonable chance the agent will rebook you on the next flight and waive the change fee. (Check out other ways to get around hidden airline fees.) The key is to remember, even in the midst of the chaos that's causing your delay, to contact the airline to let them know you are running late. Unless they get advance notice, you will likely be listed as a no-show, and that's never a good thing.

Here's how it works. It has to be clear that you were running late due to circumstances beyond your control. On the generous side, some airlines allow a two-hour window — others enforce a 30-minute rule — to plead your case. In other words, sauntering into the airport six hours after your scheduled flight has departed and shrugging, "Oopsie. Sorry, traffic," isn't likely to help your position. Same goes for repeatedly showing up late.

American Airlines is the only U.S. carrier with a stated policy. The airline allows passengers who have just-missed their flight to stand by for a later flight without incurring a fee. The rules are clear. To be eligible the passenger must arrive at the airport within two hours of their scheduled flight time. In addition to unforeseen circumstances, the policy applies to passengers who do not have the proper travel documents (Have you ever arrived at the airport for an international flight and realized your passport is at home?), and those who don't have an ESTA for U.S. travel. It can also apply if a passenger holds a valid mobile boarding pass — here's why you still should be careful about ditching your hard copy — but arrives at the wrong airport. Think New York-JFK versus New York-LaGuardia (LGA) or Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) versus Chicago-Midway (MDW).  

Delta Air Lines doesn't have an official policy, but a representative told The Points Guy the carrier will consider an accommodation if a passenger arrives within 30 minutes of their scheduled departure. United Airlines follows a similar unofficial protocol, but will consider waiving change fees if the passengers contacts the airline at least 30 minutes prior to departure. As we said, there's no guarantee the flat tire rule will save the day, but there's no harm in asking.