Merging Reservations
 

In a few weeks, I will be finishing a trip and flying into EWR (arriving 6:42pm) and then leaving for a trip to PBI at 9:05pm. Since these 2 trips were planned at separate times, they are currently on 2 separate reservations. Is it possible to merge these 2 reservations so if my flight arriving into EWR is late and I miss the flight to PBI I will be re-accommodated on a PBI flight the next morning?

I just called the Elite Desk and the (some what short) rep told me it was not possible to merge 2 records and I would be charged to fly the next morning if I missed my PBI flight. Is this true? Somewhat surprising...

Any advice?

The rep is right.

My advice, not knowing where you are coming from, try to standby on an earlier flight to get to EWR earlier

You should however have your luggage sent through to PBI and just head straight to the gate in EWR without having to re-clear security

Bummer... I just have a bad feeling about this one but I guess we will see.

I am coming from ORD (a route on which I have experienced many delays in the past) so there are plenty of earlier flights that might be a possibility for standby (although ORD-EWR loads are usually high).

Assuming I did miss my PBI flight, what kind of charges would be associated with this? I am guessing I'd have to buy a new ticket for the next morning?

Don't Worry. Be Happy.
 

I think you may be worrying for nothing. Two hours and 23 minutes is probably enough time. Who knows, the PBI departure might be delayed. I admit I don't fly into/out of EWR a lot, but I have rarely experienced a delayed arrival there, whereas I have had numerous delayed departures.

Thanks for the reassurance, RNE. I'm not too worried about it but I can just imagine thunderstorms at ORD delaying me into EWR and thus missing the PBI flight.

Bottom line, it sounds like there is nothing I can do now. We'll see what happens! :)

You can't merge them. I had two tickets like this once. Just like yours, they were purchased at two times for two reasons. When the return of the first was changed due to weather I called CO and carefully explained my problem. Since I would have missed the first flight of the second ticket because CO couldn't get me to the proper place in time they agreed to get me to my second destination. CO was entirely reasonable.

I've done this many times, and I've never had a problem when both itineraries are CO itineraries. Similar to xyzzy, misconnects were handled without much hassle, and they should check your bags through to your final destination if you present both itineraties at check-in.

I had something similar - you can let the GA know about the "connection" when you check in for your flight to EWR. They can note the record and protect you on a later flight if need be. I would guess that you have more than enough time to make an earlier flight.