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, 5:42 pm
#61
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Jun 19, 2013, 5:47 pm
#62
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
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That seems to be incorrect. Passengers departing the USA with international destinations are required to have a valid passport in most cases - USCBP rules, not TSA.
This will be merged into a very similar thread inquiring about AA's application of the "Spare Tire Rule". /Moderator
This will be merged into a very similar thread inquiring about AA's application of the "Spare Tire Rule". /Moderator
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, 6:09 pm
#63
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Platinum
Posts: 170
(Yeah, the entire flight is on AA, hence posting on this forum; that post got lost when the threads got merged).
I just called AA and they confirmed that I won't be let on the flight without a passport, plain and simple. Pretty unfortunate too, since the flight tonight is oversold (EF shows 0's across, I'm guess that atleast means fully booked?).
I also just got an email from the consulate, who after my incessant calls, expedited the passport and got the visa today, to be overnighted and received by me tomorrow morning.
Gonna try to go to the airport and see if they'll let me standby for a flight tomorrow...otherwise it's gonna be a painfully costly experience!
I just called AA and they confirmed that I won't be let on the flight without a passport, plain and simple. Pretty unfortunate too, since the flight tonight is oversold (EF shows 0's across, I'm guess that atleast means fully booked?).
I also just got an email from the consulate, who after my incessant calls, expedited the passport and got the visa today, to be overnighted and received by me tomorrow morning.
Gonna try to go to the airport and see if they'll let me standby for a flight tomorrow...otherwise it's gonna be a painfully costly experience!
Jun 19, 2013, 9:28 pm
#64
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
No, nothing got lost; some people just may choose not to read upthread to determine what has been said (to their detriment). USCBP pretty much says you must have a (valid) passport to depart the USA in most instances, and Mexico requires U S Citizens to have valid passports.
USCBP requirements for international US departures
USCBP requirements for international US departures
(in part)REQUIREMENTS:
Citizens and permanent, legal residents of the US and Canada:
● As January 8th 2007 all US and Canadian citizens will need a passport for their Mexico visit; if a USA resident, your resident (so-called "Green Card" in US) card and passport will be required. (A drivers license and birth certificate are no longer valid forms of identification for a visit to Mexico when travelling by air.) If you arrive at your departure airport without a current valid passport with at least 6 months remaining from your date of entry, to match the 180 day maximum period your FMM is normally valid for, your airline may deny boarding. (Those arriving by ground may use a birth certificate with raised seal of authentication AND photo identification), but if by air passport only.
Citizens and permanent, legal residents of the US and Canada:
● As January 8th 2007 all US and Canadian citizens will need a passport for their Mexico visit; if a USA resident, your resident (so-called "Green Card" in US) card and passport will be required. (A drivers license and birth certificate are no longer valid forms of identification for a visit to Mexico when travelling by air.) If you arrive at your departure airport without a current valid passport with at least 6 months remaining from your date of entry, to match the 180 day maximum period your FMM is normally valid for, your airline may deny boarding. (Those arriving by ground may use a birth certificate with raised seal of authentication AND photo identification), but if by air passport only.
(Yeah, the entire flight is on AA, hence posting on this forum; that post got lost when the threads got merged).
I just called AA and they confirmed that I won't be let on the flight without a passport, plain and simple. Pretty unfortunate too, since the flight tonight is oversold (EF shows 0's across, I'm guess that atleast means fully booked?).
I also just got an email from the consulate, who after my incessant calls, expedited the passport and got the visa today, to be overnighted and received by me tomorrow morning.
Gonna try to go to the airport and see if they'll let me standby for a flight tomorrow...otherwise it's gonna be a painfully costly experience!
I just called AA and they confirmed that I won't be let on the flight without a passport, plain and simple. Pretty unfortunate too, since the flight tonight is oversold (EF shows 0's across, I'm guess that atleast means fully booked?).
I also just got an email from the consulate, who after my incessant calls, expedited the passport and got the visa today, to be overnighted and received by me tomorrow morning.
Gonna try to go to the airport and see if they'll let me standby for a flight tomorrow...otherwise it's gonna be a painfully costly experience!
Jun 19, 2013, 9:47 pm
#65
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 523
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, 10:53 pm
#66
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
Now - bon voyage!
Jun 19, 2013, 11:17 pm
#67
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,638
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..
http://www.aa.com/i18n/Tariffs/AA1.html
Search for "ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES". This will bring you to Rule 25 D (ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES). Scroll down to Rule 25 G (RECOURSE OF PASSENGER) which covers 25 D and allows passenger to a refund as provided by Rule 90 D (INVOLUNTARY REFUNDS).
Jun 19, 2013, 11:38 pm
#68
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Platinum
Posts: 170
I went to the airport, and the agent was reluctant to put me on standby for any later flight since there were no other flights out before midnight. He claimed to be unable to put me on standby for the next day, and stated it would cost me "many hundreds of dollars" to confirm for the next day. I asked if he could route me through another itinerary, and again he seemed to have his hands tied.
but then he tapped away on the keyboard and offered to put me on the same flight the next day, but with the change fee. He was unwilling to waive that, and given the alternative, I accepted the offer. I had to fly eventually, so refund was not an option.
Long story short, dont' be sending your passport away if you're planning to fly anytime soon! I'm $200 (and one wasted resort night) the wiser!
Thanks all for your suggestions, really appreciated it!
but then he tapped away on the keyboard and offered to put me on the same flight the next day, but with the change fee. He was unwilling to waive that, and given the alternative, I accepted the offer. I had to fly eventually, so refund was not an option.
Long story short, dont' be sending your passport away if you're planning to fly anytime soon! I'm $200 (and one wasted resort night) the wiser!
Thanks all for your suggestions, really appreciated it!
Jun 20, 2013, 7:42 am
#69
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
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Glad it worked out relatively benignly (no fare class change, for example).
For those relatively last minute visas, I use TDS - Travel Document Services. It costs me a few bucks, but they are, er, deadlee on time (and often enough, cheaper than the visa service companies "recommended" by some travel companies like Tauck or National Geographic).
For those relatively last minute visas, I use TDS - Travel Document Services. It costs me a few bucks, but they are, er, deadlee on time (and often enough, cheaper than the visa service companies "recommended" by some travel companies like Tauck or National Geographic).
I went to the airport, and the agent was reluctant to put me on standby for any later flight since there were no other flights out before midnight. He claimed to be unable to put me on standby for the next day, and stated it would cost me "many hundreds of dollars" to confirm for the next day. I asked if he could route me through another itinerary, and again he seemed to have his hands tied.
but then he tapped away on the keyboard and offered to put me on the same flight the next day, but with the change fee. He was unwilling to waive that, and given the alternative, I accepted the offer. I had to fly eventually, so refund was not an option.
Long story short, dont' be sending your passport away if you're planning to fly anytime soon! I'm $200 (and one wasted resort night) the wiser!
Thanks all for your suggestions, really appreciated it!
but then he tapped away on the keyboard and offered to put me on the same flight the next day, but with the change fee. He was unwilling to waive that, and given the alternative, I accepted the offer. I had to fly eventually, so refund was not an option.
Long story short, dont' be sending your passport away if you're planning to fly anytime soon! I'm $200 (and one wasted resort night) the wiser!
Thanks all for your suggestions, really appreciated it!
Jun 20, 2013, 5:11 pm
#70
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Platinum
Posts: 170
Glad it worked out relatively benignly (no fare class change, for example).
For those relatively last minute visas, I use TDS - Travel Document Services. It costs me a few bucks, but they are, er, deadlee on time (and often enough, cheaper than the visa service companies "recommended" by some travel companies like Tauck or National Geographic).
For those relatively last minute visas, I use TDS - Travel Document Services. It costs me a few bucks, but they are, er, deadlee on time (and often enough, cheaper than the visa service companies "recommended" by some travel companies like Tauck or National Geographic).
Jun 23, 2013, 7:05 pm
#71
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
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Glad it worked out relatively benignly (no fare class change, for example).
For those relatively last minute visas, I use TDS - Travel Document Services. It costs me a few bucks, but they are, er, deadlee on time (and often enough, cheaper than the visa service companies "recommended" by some travel companies like Tauck or National Geographic).
For those relatively last minute visas, I use TDS - Travel Document Services. It costs me a few bucks, but they are, er, deadlee on time (and often enough, cheaper than the visa service companies "recommended" by some travel companies like Tauck or National Geographic).
Jun 25, 2013, 7:17 pm
#72
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
If one has booked two separate itineraries, on different airlines if for some reason the first airline (not AA) canceled the flight or was horribly late, does one have the option to stand by for a later flight with AA? (same day obviously)
My scenario is I will be flying into BOS on EI139 (booked into business using BA Avios). It's scheduled to land the previous night at 8:10PM. The plan if all goes as scheduled, would be to meet up with a buddy, grab a later dinner, some drinks, get a short rest at his place, and then head back to the Airport in time to catch flight AA207 that departs at 10:30 AM. There is nearly 14.5 hours in between, so, it's improbable that it could go really bad that 207 is missed. However, if EI139 were canceled. The next flight into BOS wouldn't get there till after 1PM. I suppose in all this time, if indeed the worst case scenario occured and more than a 14.5 hour delay occured I'd have time to call AA, but, what would I ask? To stand by for a later flight that day? Obviously I wouldn't want to be entered in as a 'no-show'. I have another flight a couple of months later on the same itinerary.
Looking at aa.com it seems you can standby, but, I'm not clear on if you have to be at the airport or not to do it. I also see the confirmed flight change option available for $75, but, again not sure how one would play this scenario, when one might not know when they'll actually make it to BOS.
And... yes... if you are thinking a PLT member should know this, well, sorry...I qualified thanks to DBEQM last year, and my 1.85MM are mostly thanks to Citibank, not BIS.
At any rate, hopefully this is all hypothetical and everything goes (reasonably) according to schedule.
My scenario is I will be flying into BOS on EI139 (booked into business using BA Avios). It's scheduled to land the previous night at 8:10PM. The plan if all goes as scheduled, would be to meet up with a buddy, grab a later dinner, some drinks, get a short rest at his place, and then head back to the Airport in time to catch flight AA207 that departs at 10:30 AM. There is nearly 14.5 hours in between, so, it's improbable that it could go really bad that 207 is missed. However, if EI139 were canceled. The next flight into BOS wouldn't get there till after 1PM. I suppose in all this time, if indeed the worst case scenario occured and more than a 14.5 hour delay occured I'd have time to call AA, but, what would I ask? To stand by for a later flight that day? Obviously I wouldn't want to be entered in as a 'no-show'. I have another flight a couple of months later on the same itinerary.
Looking at aa.com it seems you can standby, but, I'm not clear on if you have to be at the airport or not to do it. I also see the confirmed flight change option available for $75, but, again not sure how one would play this scenario, when one might not know when they'll actually make it to BOS.
And... yes... if you are thinking a PLT member should know this, well, sorry...I qualified thanks to DBEQM last year, and my 1.85MM are mostly thanks to Citibank, not BIS.
At any rate, hopefully this is all hypothetical and everything goes (reasonably) according to schedule.
Jun 25, 2013, 7:31 pm
#73
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
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Posts: 14,518
Looking at aa.com it seems you can standby, but, I'm not clear on if you have to be at the airport or not to do it. I also see the confirmed flight change option available for $75, but, again not sure how one would play this scenario, when one might not know when they'll actually make it to BOS.
Jan 17, 2014, 9:33 am
#74
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: AA EXP, UA GS, SPG Plat
Posts: 423
Flat Tire Rule for International?
Horrible morning today and looking for some guidance. My wife and I were scheduled to fly ORD-SJD (Cabos) this morning. Our taxi got into a fender-bender on our way and it caused us to arrive only 40-odd minutes before departure. We were unable to check our large bag and thus were unable to board. The ticketing agent informed us that there is no 'flat tire' rule to Mexico that could get us on standby today and that we would have to purchase new itineraries outright in order to depart.
I got on the phone with a very kind EXP agent who, after an hour of plugging away, was able to get us on tomorrow's flight. We were not charged any repricing for these tickets but we were however charged a combined $400 in change fees.
Do I have any leg to stand on in asking for sympathy from AA on these charges? Has anyone been in a similar situation? I guess what irks me is that AA often delays/cancels flights due to circumstances beyond their control (weather, air traffic control, etc.), without any compensation provided. In the one instance where I end up missing a flight due to a similarly uncontrollable circumstance, I am docked such a large financial penalty. Any advice/information is much appreciated.
I got on the phone with a very kind EXP agent who, after an hour of plugging away, was able to get us on tomorrow's flight. We were not charged any repricing for these tickets but we were however charged a combined $400 in change fees.
Do I have any leg to stand on in asking for sympathy from AA on these charges? Has anyone been in a similar situation? I guess what irks me is that AA often delays/cancels flights due to circumstances beyond their control (weather, air traffic control, etc.), without any compensation provided. In the one instance where I end up missing a flight due to a similarly uncontrollable circumstance, I am docked such a large financial penalty. Any advice/information is much appreciated.
Jan 17, 2014, 9:42 am
#75
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP - Marriott LT Platinum - National Exec Elite
Posts: 1,112
Horrible morning today and looking for some guidance. My wife and I were scheduled to fly ORD-SJD (Cabos) this morning. Our taxi got into a fender-bender on our way and it caused us to arrive only 40-odd minutes before departure. We were unable to check our large bag and thus were unable to board. The ticketing agent informed us that there is no 'flat tire' rule to Mexico that could get us on standby today and that we would have to purchase new itineraries outright in order to depart.
I got on the phone with a very kind EXP agent who, after an hour of plugging away, was able to get us on tomorrow's flight. We were not charged any repricing for these tickets but we were however charged a combined $400 in change fees.
Do I have any leg to stand on in asking for sympathy from AA on these charges? Has anyone been in a similar situation? I guess what irks me is that AA often delays/cancels flights due to circumstances beyond their control (weather, air traffic control, etc.), without any compensation provided. In the one instance where I end up missing a flight due to a similarly uncontrollable circumstance, I am docked such a large financial penalty. Any advice/information is much appreciated.
I got on the phone with a very kind EXP agent who, after an hour of plugging away, was able to get us on tomorrow's flight. We were not charged any repricing for these tickets but we were however charged a combined $400 in change fees.
Do I have any leg to stand on in asking for sympathy from AA on these charges? Has anyone been in a similar situation? I guess what irks me is that AA often delays/cancels flights due to circumstances beyond their control (weather, air traffic control, etc.), without any compensation provided. In the one instance where I end up missing a flight due to a similarly uncontrollable circumstance, I am docked such a large financial penalty. Any advice/information is much appreciated.