Sep 28, 2015, 1:34 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
FAQ: Late Arrival Standby Policy ("Flat Rire Rule")
Not a published publicly viewable "rule", allows some missing flight to standby for next available flight.
Replaced by new missed flight rule April 2021.
See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/2038716-new-flat-tire-rule-flight-near-miss-free-reaccommodation.html
Not a published publicly viewable "rule", allows some missing flight to standby for next available flight.
Replaced by new missed flight rule April 2021.
See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/2038716-new-flat-tire-rule-flight-near-miss-free-reaccommodation.html
Q. Is it true AA has a rule that if I miss a flight due to a mishap (accident, traffic, flat tire, slept in, etc.) they'll put me on the next flight without change fees and original and new flight fare difference?
Maybe. Kind of. Yes and no.
The so-called "Flat Tire Rule" is formally called Late Arrival Standby, and is extended to domestic passengers who show up at the airport within two hours of scheduled departure. They will be accommodated on a standby basis free of charges if they can depart the same day.
They may enhance their chances by paying $75 (waived for Executive Platinum) for
Domestic Same Day Flight Change if it's available.
What happens when bad traffic makes you miss your flight?
Linda Burbank, Special for USA TODAY 8:01 a.m. EDT April 2, 2014, in part:
The flat-tire rule is a longstanding practice of some airlines that allows passengers who miss flights due to circumstances outside their control to take the next available flight, providing space is available, with additional fees and fares waived.
...American has codified its discretionary procedure to a standard policy. Its late arrival standby policy, as it's now known, allows late passengers who arrive at the airport—not call—no more than two hours after their scheduled flights to wait on standby for the next available flight without fees or fare increases. Passengers who show up more than two hours late are on the hook for fare increases. The rule applies as long as the original flight was not the last scheduled flight of the day; the goodwill gesture doesn't roll over onto the next day.
See entire article at http://goo.gl/hGpKur
Linda Burbank, Special for USA TODAY 8:01 a.m. EDT April 2, 2014, in part:
The flat-tire rule is a longstanding practice of some airlines that allows passengers who miss flights due to circumstances outside their control to take the next available flight, providing space is available, with additional fees and fares waived.
...American has codified its discretionary procedure to a standard policy. Its late arrival standby policy, as it's now known, allows late passengers who arrive at the airport—not call—no more than two hours after their scheduled flights to wait on standby for the next available flight without fees or fare increases. Passengers who show up more than two hours late are on the hook for fare increases. The rule applies as long as the original flight was not the last scheduled flight of the day; the goodwill gesture doesn't roll over onto the next day.
See entire article at http://goo.gl/hGpKur
You're probably still going to have to take the consequences. You must check in an hour prior to scheduled departure for international flights, and at the gate 30 minutes prior to scheduled departures; if you're late, you're late.
Q. What happens if I'm on an international flight?
Standby is not allowed for international flights. If you can get International Same Day Flight Change you may be OK to destinations SDFC is allowed (on the same day, of course). You will generally pay the change fee associated with your original fare plus the difference between your original fare and the "walk up" fare charged passengers booking today.
(JonNYC and ThreeJulietTango say Canada, USVI and Puerto Rico flights are exceptions, as are any destinations you can buy SDFC on (no standby internationally). See post at TravelingBetter.com: http://goo.gl/S3CAq4 and post #89 for this and other exceptions, including itineraries with domestic and international sectors (the fare break is at the domestic to international connection).
Q. What if my flight was the last one of the day / there's no flight with an available seat that can accommodate me the same day?
You will generally pay the change fee associated with your original fare plus the difference between your original fare and the "walk up" fare charged passengers booking today.
Frankly, booking the last flight of the day entails some risk. If there are delays and IROPS, they often get later and later as the day progresses, and in the situation at issue here means no standby, likely significant costs to you and meal and lodging costs added to your expenses.
Q. Can I just use my mobile and call?
No; you're actually expected to show at the check-in counter within two hours. But, calling can prevent your itinerary from being cancelled because you were listed as a "no show" when you miss the flight, and if you have status it's possible you could have some arrangements made for you on the spot - less to do at the check-in counter.
Q. That's not fair! Can I do anything?
Check to see if your credit card (e.g. Citi AAdvantage Executive MasterCard, etc.) includes trip interruption insurance, or buy it in advance of your trip.
Or, if you don't want to purchase TCII "self-insure"; set aside some money for unforeseen circumstances knowing if you travel frequently you'll probably encounter travel disruption.
Thanks to JonNYC, Linda Burbank of USA Today and gemac for clarification.
ARCHIVE: FAQ: Late Arrival Standby ("Flat Tire Rule") application (master thread)
Dec 20, 2011, 10:25 am
#31
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Dec 20, 2011, 10:43 am
#32
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Mike
Dec 20, 2011, 10:43 am
#33
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AA isn't "covering the cost" of a walkup fare in this situation any more than when they let you standby. Though maybe that's some creative accounting they should consider ("gave pax free standby seat on earlier flight out of JFK; $3000 loss.")
Dec 20, 2011, 10:46 am
#34
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Dec 20, 2011, 11:02 am
#35
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At this time I will not spill more details, but of course, everyone is free to speculate.
Again, thanks for the replies.
Dec 20, 2011, 11:06 am
#36
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Is the "flat tire rule" just a weakened conditional form of same day standby given to non-elites? Wouldn't an EXP usually be better off just asking to standby on the flights they wanted/needed?
Also, has anyone missed a flight, done standby on the next one and been able to keep a connecting flight, even if the later standby flight arrives after MCT?
I'm just considering what would happen if I overslept and missed one of my 6 am flights. The flight at 6:55 is scheduled to arrive at ORD 25 minutes before my connecting flight, which is possible mainline to mainline, but not MCT.
Also, has anyone missed a flight, done standby on the next one and been able to keep a connecting flight, even if the later standby flight arrives after MCT?
I'm just considering what would happen if I overslept and missed one of my 6 am flights. The flight at 6:55 is scheduled to arrive at ORD 25 minutes before my connecting flight, which is possible mainline to mainline, but not MCT.
Dec 20, 2011, 11:12 am
#37
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1. Put it behind you and get on with life.
2. Get the help of others to make the best possible argument.
3. Rely on your own wisdom to make the best argument you can without any help from others.
In my opinion, I have listed these in the order of desirability. It seems you are choosing #3. Good luck.
Dec 20, 2011, 1:21 pm
#38
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Also, someone in that same thread raised the issue of whether the rule is the same if you miss the first flight of your itinerary as opposed to, say, the return leg. I don't think that was ever answered. Everyone always states that missing a segment cancels all the remaining ones, but presumably that cannot happen immediately otherwise the flat-tire rule wouldn't work.
Dec 20, 2011, 1:47 pm
#39
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In my experience, the FTR is only generally available in cases where standby is available as well as an option.
I have missed a few international flights, and in every case, I've had to pay at minimum a change fee to get on the next flight. If the flights were more full, I would have expected to pay a change fee plus prevailing fare for the new inventory.
I am wondering whether this is the situation the OP found him/herself in.
But the wisdom I have gained over the years is if flying internationally, make sure you make your flight.
I have missed a few international flights, and in every case, I've had to pay at minimum a change fee to get on the next flight. If the flights were more full, I would have expected to pay a change fee plus prevailing fare for the new inventory.
I am wondering whether this is the situation the OP found him/herself in.
But the wisdom I have gained over the years is if flying internationally, make sure you make your flight.
Dec 20, 2011, 2:26 pm
#40
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I'm confused. Ok normally posters will outline an incident of what happened, AA's response, and ask opinions of FT and/or was proper policy followed by AA personnel. If you want opinion, it might not always be to your liking.
But without a detailed account of what happened I'm at a loss as to what is really being asked. Does AA have a flat tire rule, yes, was it applied fairly and to proper policy, who knows in this case.
But without a detailed account of what happened I'm at a loss as to what is really being asked. Does AA have a flat tire rule, yes, was it applied fairly and to proper policy, who knows in this case.
Dec 20, 2011, 3:47 pm
#41
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 28
I have missed a 6am flight from STL-MIA because i slept through it, got to the airport at 7 and they put me on the next flight to DFW, and finally caught a standby flight to MIA. Wasn't the biggest deal ever and the ticket agent didn't have a problem rebooking and apologized to me for missing my flight. Couldn't have asked for any better.
Dec 20, 2011, 5:37 pm
#42
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Part of the 'experience' of engaging on Flyer Talk is to learn from others through their travel experiences.
Sadly, some folks choose not to share so that others may learn.
Sadly, some folks choose not to share so that others may learn.
Dec 22, 2011, 10:54 pm
#43
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Wow, that makes it really easy for us to help. And, even worse, makes it really hard for others to learn from your experience. Why don't you post what all transpired as as you results so that others can have a good idea of what to expect if they're in a similar situation? Seems a bit odd to leech from the collective wisdom here and not contribute any.
Dec 23, 2011, 8:36 am
#44
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Wow, that makes it really easy for us to help. And, even worse, makes it really hard for others to learn from your experience. Why don't you post what all transpired as as you results so that others can have a good idea of what to expect if they're in a similar situation? Seems a bit odd to leech from the collective wisdom here and not contribute any.
Jun 18, 2013, 11:48 pm
#45
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 523
Flat Tire Rule for EXP
Does anyone have any experience with the Flat Tire Rule for EXPs? This would be the last flight out to MIA in order to catch a connection to South America.
I had a last minute trip, which I arrive MCO on DL 2 hours prior to my departure on AA. The issue this was an unplanned trip and I didn't realize our passport for out son is at home, which is 1 hour away from the airport.
Trying to avoid 3 last min ticket costs.
Please share your experiences.
I had a last minute trip, which I arrive MCO on DL 2 hours prior to my departure on AA. The issue this was an unplanned trip and I didn't realize our passport for out son is at home, which is 1 hour away from the airport.
Trying to avoid 3 last min ticket costs.
Please share your experiences.