Change flight to have a few hour layover for a meeting?
Feb 6, 2020, 3:05 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1
Change flight to have a few hour layover for a meeting?
Long time lurker. SWA A+ Status and CP holder. I have a flight booked from A to B on Monday. However something came up, and I need to go to C for a few hours before I go to B. Can I change my direct A to B flight to a connecting A-C-B flight, but "miss" my connecting flight for the next one so I can have 3 hours to go to a meeting? If I cancel and re-book separate flights, I'm looking at almost $600 more. I appreciate your help!
Feb 6, 2020, 4:01 pm
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,073
"Miss" the connection due to illness or some other reason?
Feb 6, 2020, 4:07 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
As a frequent flyer, you're also likely aware that in this case, they have no obligation to get you to point B - so if weather or maintenance causes trouble on that first leg, you might end up connecting somewhere else entirely. I'd take the risk myself in most cases, but it would depend on how absolutely necessary it was for the meeting to take place at that exact time.
Feb 6, 2020, 4:14 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,512
A live agent is strongly advised. Converting A-B to A-C-B presupposes an exemption no one here can substantiate. The fare you paid and your status are prime factors. That, and any likelihood your business involves saving humanity.
Feb 6, 2020, 4:59 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
I was also assuming that OP was able to change A-C to A-B--C for free or close right now online, and was simply wondering how his plan might be handled on day of travel. I would put less hope on using standby privileges to get moved to the desired connecting flight and then also using flat tire rule to move back the second leg.
Feb 7, 2020, 12:58 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,073
Feb 8, 2020, 9:16 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,700
I'm sure any airline will explain to you that its in their best interests that you purchase two walk-up (AT) fares for what you want to do. You'll need to get creative and play within the other potential free accommodations otherwise if the math & routings work out. BTW, 3 hours isn't a heck of lot of time unless your meeting is right at the airport...