Originally Posted by
Jenniferpa
US Airways, even now, has been known to extend this courtesy in the event the passenger has a genuine reason for missing the flight (I know this because they've done it for me). I don't think it's prevalent though.
Jenniferpa,
They've done it for me as well (in PIT and MCI), even when I missed the last flight of the day. The last time, the TA seemed to look at my record and said, "I see that you don't do this often, so I won't charge you." I thanked him profusely, of course. It may be just luck or getting the right person, but on the rare occasions when I miss a flight, I always apologize to the TA and ask "What can I do?" I think that goes a long way. If the so-called "flat-tire rule" is abused, it will get less and less prevalent, especially if pax are demanding and rude.