What to do if you miss your flight

Don't panic. Go straight to the gate agent — not the customer service desk. Gate agents can rebook you on the spot; customer service lines can be hours long during disruptions. If the gate agent can't help, try the airline's app or call their phone line while you're in line as a backup.

If it was the airline's fault (delay on your first flight, gate change, etc.) and you're on a single ticket: the airline must rebook you on their next available flight at no charge. If the next flight isn't until tomorrow, they must provide a hotel. Push for this — don't accept vague promises. Get the new boarding pass before you leave the counter.

If it was your fault (overslept, stuck in traffic, long TSA line): airlines handle this differently. Most major carriers (Delta, United, American) will rebook you on the next available flight as a standby passenger at no charge if it's the same day. They call this "flat tire" or "same-day change" policy. Budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier) are less forgiving and may charge a change fee.

If you had separate tickets: the second airline won't know or care why you missed their flight. You'll need to contact them independently and either pay a change fee or buy a new ticket.

Regardless of fault: don't leave the airport without a confirmed plan. Get a new boarding pass, a meal voucher if applicable, and hotel confirmation if overnight. Document everything — take photos of your original boarding pass, the delay board, and any communication from the airline.