I am flying BWI-EWR-LAS, with about 45-50 minutes connecting time between flights. While usually perfect, my partner decided to join me on the trip, and given our past travel experiences, he'll insist on going out of the terminal for one last cigarette before the 5+ hour flight to Vegas (insert soap box about smoking here...I agree with you).

I know if I miss a connection because of a delayed flight, UA will rebook me for free. What happens if we miss our connection and its (admittedly) our fault? Will they rebook us on the next flight (which as of now is less than half full) for free, or will we be charged the $75/person "same day change" fee?

We've cut it close before, but never actually missed our connection. Hopefully it won't happen today either, but just in case, I'd like to know what would happen.

Thank you!