Probably going to miss flight, best strategies?
Feb 23, 2020, 11:50 am
#1
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Probably going to miss flight, best strategies?
I am flying ABQ-ORD next week. Due to a change my work schedule, I am likely to miss the flight. I am on the last direct flight of the day but there are (bad) connecting options later. I don’t want to cancel and rebook now, because there is still a small chance I could make the flight, and don’t want to give up my spot if there is any chance that can happen.
But I do want to ensure that I make it to destination (relatively) timely. I was considering buying a refundable ticket for later (possibly even for the next morning) and then cancelling it if unneeded. Is this allowable? I don’t want to break airline rules. Any non-obvious downside to doing this? Other strategies?
But I do want to ensure that I make it to destination (relatively) timely. I was considering buying a refundable ticket for later (possibly even for the next morning) and then cancelling it if unneeded. Is this allowable? I don’t want to break airline rules. Any non-obvious downside to doing this? Other strategies?
Feb 23, 2020, 11:57 am
#2
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If you book another itinerary that overlaps with the existing one, I recommend doing so on a different carrier. AA's automated systems may detect you have impossible itineraries and cancel one or both. (AA.com won't even let you book this, so you'd have to do so via a TA.)
Last edited by USFlyerUS; Feb 23, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Feb 23, 2020, 12:54 pm
#4
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Feb 23, 2020, 1:22 pm
#6
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Without knowing the exact dates and flights, it's impossible to be certain, but there is a good chance that a refundable ticket may cost more than changing the existing ticket. Have you run the numbers yet?
Presuming that this is work-related travel, given that it's a work-related change, doesn't you employer simply pick this cost up (presuming that you are not self-employed)?
Presuming that this is work-related travel, given that it's a work-related change, doesn't you employer simply pick this cost up (presuming that you are not self-employed)?
Feb 23, 2020, 1:22 pm
#7
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Feb 23, 2020, 1:38 pm
#8
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Feb 23, 2020, 1:38 pm
#9
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Without knowing the exact dates and flights, it's impossible to be certain, but there is a good chance that a refundable ticket may cost more than changing the existing ticket. Have you run the numbers yet?
Presuming that this is work-related travel, given that it's a work-related change, doesn't you employer simply pick this cost up (presuming that you are not self-employed)?
Presuming that this is work-related travel, given that it's a work-related change, doesn't you employer simply pick this cost up (presuming that you are not self-employed)?
Yes, work picks up cost. I am more worried about making sure I get on a flight and don’t get stuck in Albuquerque for longer than necessary.
Feb 23, 2020, 1:40 pm
#10
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If you book another itinerary that overlaps with the existing one, I recommend doing so on a different carrier. AA's automated systems may detect you have impossible itineraries and cancel one or both. (AA.com won't even let you book this, so you'd have to do so via a TA.)
Feb 23, 2020, 1:41 pm
#11
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Feb 23, 2020, 4:01 pm
#12
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A lot depends on how early in the day you will know when you can make it.
Feb 23, 2020, 4:24 pm
#13
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FF and billing info, maybe.
See the Birthday Problem: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthday_problem
Feb 23, 2020, 4:53 pm
#14
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If you make it to the airport too late to make your flight but relatively promptly, AA will likely invoke the "flat tire" rule and offer you the next available flight. This could include the next day if there are no flights available that evening. Keep in mind though that they will probably not let you take a connection if you cannot be confirmed on both legs at the time of departure.
You cannot SDC because SDC requires the same routing, and you would be changing the routing (from nonstop to a connection). However if the flat tire rule is invoked, they will not require the same routing.
I agree that if you have WN points and there is a later ABQ-MDW flight, that would be a good backup plan.
You cannot SDC because SDC requires the same routing, and you would be changing the routing (from nonstop to a connection). However if the flat tire rule is invoked, they will not require the same routing.
I agree that if you have WN points and there is a later ABQ-MDW flight, that would be a good backup plan.
Feb 24, 2020, 12:16 am
#15
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The last flights of the day often run late, too, so you should just wait it out and try to make it. So much could happen. Get there and see. If they don't rebook you if you miss it (which they probably will if you present yourself right away), then you can deal with it.