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)
Jun 19, 2013, 7:19 am
#46
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: HND
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K
Posts: 1,230
Now you've had a flat tire on the way to the airport, too? Wow, you really do have the most interesting flying experiences on this board...
Jun 19, 2013, 7:30 am
#47
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Personally, I would rather have a neighbor or family member I trust fetch the passport and bring it to the airport than hope there are seats on slights soon thereafter (and if there are, they are not likely to be good ones, or even close together).
Relying on a trusted person is guaranteed to bring greater travel success than hoping an agent will understand and satisfactory ensuing travel arrangements will be found.
(As this has been asked previously, your question has been merged into a recent thread. Advanced search for <flat+tire> in thread titles, return threads, and it will come up - "FTR" won't, as it's not a commonly used abbreviation in the AA Forum.)
Relying on a trusted person is guaranteed to bring greater travel success than hoping an agent will understand and satisfactory ensuing travel arrangements will be found.
(As this has been asked previously, your question has been merged into a recent thread. Advanced search for <flat+tire> in thread titles, return threads, and it will come up - "FTR" won't, as it's not a commonly used abbreviation in the AA Forum.)
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.
Jun 19, 2013, 10:21 am
#48
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 523
Unfortunately no one has the keys. My brothers are all in South America already. Hopefully the airport can allow me to fly the next day with no charge
Jun 19, 2013, 10:25 am
#49
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
While I have had a number of experiences over the years (fling AA 50++ years) where AA agents have been very helpful, I have also had an occasional time when they haven't been or have been recalcitrant. In this instance, add possibilities of reduced capacity meaning full aircraft, etc. So, you manage your risks.
My way would be to try to reschedule my other activities, take an earlier flight, go home and get the missing passport, then follow my original plans.
Otherwise, you are basically at the mercy of whoever you deal with - phone or airport - and you may get out on the "next available flight". Good luck either way. Relying on the "Flat Tire Rule" may definitely affect your mileage...
My way would be to try to reschedule my other activities, take an earlier flight, go home and get the missing passport, then follow my original plans.
Otherwise, you are basically at the mercy of whoever you deal with - phone or airport - and you may get out on the "next available flight". Good luck either way. Relying on the "Flat Tire Rule" may definitely affect your mileage...
Jun 19, 2013, 11:51 am
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
It's well known on this board that the standby list is ordered (1) irrops; (2) elites on voluntary standby; (3) nonrevs.
Well, I was recently doing a voluntary standby (trying to get home earlier). The standby list for the flight was posted on the screen at the gate, and I was #1. But the prior departure to the same destination was still at the same gate (having returned due to a weather ground hold). The door had re-closed for the earlier flight's re-departure, and I watched as a couple of pax on that flight returned to the gate too late. They were put on the standby list for the next flight, and yet I did not lose my #1 spot.
The observation being - late arriving pax who miss their flight not due to an earlier delay or cancellation are not classified as irrops, and will find themselves at the bottom of the standby list.
The practical advice for anyone considering an intentional flat tire would be to check the loads of the later flights. And if your ticket is standby-eligible (i.e. domestic, and you're elite), you're better off calling AA and requesting standby on a later flight, rather than just showing up late and requesting flat tire accommodation.
Well, I was recently doing a voluntary standby (trying to get home earlier). The standby list for the flight was posted on the screen at the gate, and I was #1. But the prior departure to the same destination was still at the same gate (having returned due to a weather ground hold). The door had re-closed for the earlier flight's re-departure, and I watched as a couple of pax on that flight returned to the gate too late. They were put on the standby list for the next flight, and yet I did not lose my #1 spot.
The observation being - late arriving pax who miss their flight not due to an earlier delay or cancellation are not classified as irrops, and will find themselves at the bottom of the standby list.
The practical advice for anyone considering an intentional flat tire would be to check the loads of the later flights. And if your ticket is standby-eligible (i.e. domestic, and you're elite), you're better off calling AA and requesting standby on a later flight, rather than just showing up late and requesting flat tire accommodation.
Jun 19, 2013, 1:16 pm
#51
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 523
Thanks for the advice.
Again, this is the last flight out. I think the things I have going for me are:
1) EXP
2) I know the personel at the airport
3) Flying C
Again, this is the last flight out. I think the things I have going for me are:
1) EXP
2) I know the personel at the airport
3) Flying C
Jun 19, 2013, 1:30 pm
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
Jun 19, 2013, 2:07 pm
#53
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
IM(limited)E you'll probably want to avoid telling AA that you missed the flight because you forgot a passport. This happened to me one time and it certainly seems like AA used the opportunity to try to gouge me with all kinds of exorbitant fees. I was actually late by just about half an hour. My protests were met with "but YOU admitted that it's YOUR fault". Finally I got through to someone who "allowed" me to rebook as if it were a simply flat tire or a delay.
"Flat tire", "unavoidable delay", "Have you Ever Had One Of Those Days?", etc are all fine excuses. "I goofed up so please be gentle" is a license to steal, IME.
"Flat tire", "unavoidable delay", "Have you Ever Had One Of Those Days?", etc are all fine excuses. "I goofed up so please be gentle" is a license to steal, IME.
Jun 19, 2013, 4:53 pm
#54
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Platinum
Posts: 170
Passport stuck in consulate; Can't travel
I had sent my passport to the Indian consulate two weeks ago for a visa for my trip later next month, but still dont' have it back.
And I am scheduled to travel to Cabo later this evening, but now won't be able to catch my flight.
I contacted the outsourcing company that handles ALL Visa processing, and they can't really seem to do anything to expedite it..
Hopefully I get it tomorrow, and can change my flight to tomorrow.. but that's assuming it gets here tomorrow.
Anyone been through something similar? I feel stranded even though I'm home
Pretty pricey ticket too... guess I'll have to cancel it worst case.. Are there any special exceptions for "Missing Docs" that might waive my change/cancellation fees in case I can reschudle for later this week..
And I am scheduled to travel to Cabo later this evening, but now won't be able to catch my flight.
I contacted the outsourcing company that handles ALL Visa processing, and they can't really seem to do anything to expedite it..
Hopefully I get it tomorrow, and can change my flight to tomorrow.. but that's assuming it gets here tomorrow.
Anyone been through something similar? I feel stranded even though I'm home
Pretty pricey ticket too... guess I'll have to cancel it worst case.. Are there any special exceptions for "Missing Docs" that might waive my change/cancellation fees in case I can reschudle for later this week..
Jun 19, 2013, 4:58 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
You can certainly try calling. But, since this would be considered your fault from the airline standpoint, I wouldn't be too optimistic. But it won't hurt to try. Good luck!
Cheers.
Cheers.
Jun 19, 2013, 4:59 pm
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
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I had sent my passport to the Indian consulate two weeks ago for a visa for my trip later next month, but still dont' have it back.
And I am scheduled to travel to Cabo later this evening, but now won't be able to catch my flight.
I contacted the outsourcing company that handles ALL Visa processing, and they can't really seem to do anything to expedite it..
Hopefully I get it tomorrow, and can change my flight to tomorrow.. but that's assuming it gets here tomorrow.
Anyone been through something similar? I feel stranded even though I'm home
Pretty pricey ticket too... guess I'll have to cancel it worst case.. Are there any special exceptions for "Missing Docs" that might waive my change/cancellation fees in case I can reschudle for later this week..
And I am scheduled to travel to Cabo later this evening, but now won't be able to catch my flight.
I contacted the outsourcing company that handles ALL Visa processing, and they can't really seem to do anything to expedite it..
Hopefully I get it tomorrow, and can change my flight to tomorrow.. but that's assuming it gets here tomorrow.
Anyone been through something similar? I feel stranded even though I'm home
Pretty pricey ticket too... guess I'll have to cancel it worst case.. Are there any special exceptions for "Missing Docs" that might waive my change/cancellation fees in case I can reschudle for later this week..
If it was last minute I would have asked my employer to pay for the rush service if it was available.
(I get mine in HK from Quoprro which has always done a good job, in my Canadian passport. They usually have a turnaround time of 10 working days.)
Jun 19, 2013, 5:12 pm
#57
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Platinum
Posts: 170
As soon as I found out about the trip, I sent in the passport, didn't expect it to take so long... doesn't help that there isn't a LA consulate either.
No expediting/rush service options on the India visa, i enquired.
I posted on the Aadvantage forums, because as an EXP flying on AA, I wanted to know what my ticket options were...
No expediting/rush service options on the India visa, i enquired.
I posted on the Aadvantage forums, because as an EXP flying on AA, I wanted to know what my ticket options were...
Jun 19, 2013, 5:23 pm
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
I use CIBT for all of my visa processing. They've never failed me. They have a rush service which can take only a day or two. Used that, too, and never a problem. I think that it's something like $75 plus more for rush.
Last edited by Dr. HFH; Jun 21, 2013 at 9:53 pm
Jun 19, 2013, 5:29 pm
#59
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 655
You should be able to make it thru TSA, don't know about getting onto plane and into Cabo.
Would bring cc of passport (if available).
From my trips to Mex. (making a Tijuana booze run by walking across the border then walking back) there was no checking of documents to enter Mexico - there likely will be checking to enter Mexico by air).
TSA should let you by, and allow your return to US, but you may not be allowed on the plane w/out a US passport.
TSA link: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids
You might just go to the airport and see if you can get on - try not to check bags. Also improves chances of getting reticketed on a later flight if you present yourself at the airport v. saying you lost something and couldn't make it to the airport.
Hope something works
Would bring cc of passport (if available).
From my trips to Mex. (making a Tijuana booze run by walking across the border then walking back) there was no checking of documents to enter Mexico - there likely will be checking to enter Mexico by air).
TSA should let you by, and allow your return to US, but you may not be allowed on the plane w/out a US passport.
TSA link: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids
You might just go to the airport and see if you can get on - try not to check bags. Also improves chances of getting reticketed on a later flight if you present yourself at the airport v. saying you lost something and couldn't make it to the airport.
Hope something works
Jun 19, 2013, 5:38 pm
#60
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP 3MM
Posts: 1,773
You should be able to make it thru TSA, don't know about getting onto plane and into Cabo.
Would bring cc of passport (if available).
From my trips to Mex. (making a Tijuana booze run by walking across the border then walking back) there was no checking of documents to enter Mexico - there likely will be checking to enter Mexico by air).
TSA should let you by, and allow your return to US, but you may not be allowed on the plane w/out a US passport.
Would bring cc of passport (if available).
From my trips to Mex. (making a Tijuana booze run by walking across the border then walking back) there was no checking of documents to enter Mexico - there likely will be checking to enter Mexico by air).
TSA should let you by, and allow your return to US, but you may not be allowed on the plane w/out a US passport.
TSA is not the agency that admits people into the USA, it's CBP.